Written by: Ruth V. Walker, PhD [Adapted from advice by Lasse Palomaki, Associate Director of Career Services for Alumni, Elon University] 

Published October 10, 2024

How to Prepare

Having a successful career fair experience means putting in the work ahead of time. I'm going to break down my suggestions - that are built off of the wise career development professionals such as Lasse Palomaki, Associate Director of Career Services for Alumni, Elon University.  

Before the Fair

• Print Your Resume: Take the time to go through your resume to get it updated prior to attending a career fair. You also want to print and bring several copies to give to recruiters at the event.

• Dress to Impress: Make a good first impression by dressing for the industry you want to work in. For most, wearing business casual attire will be appropriate. Consider that you'll be on your feet a lot, so shoes that are both professional and comfortable will be ideal.

• Prepare Your Elevator Pitch: Write a concise elevator pitch that highlights your relevant experience, skills, and interests for employers. You also want to take the time to practice giving your pitch to friends, family members, etc.

• Do Your Research: Look up the organizations that are attending the career fair so you can make a plan. Consider what organizations you want to prioritize speaking with, learn more about the types of positions they may be offering, and take notes on their organization mission. 

During the Fair

Career fairs can be busy! This may feel overwhelming to be in a large space with so many conversations happening at once. I encourage you to focus on speaking with the organizations you are the most interested in. Remember, you just need to focus on the people in front of you. Take the time to listen to the recruiters you are speaking with, ask questions, and take notes to show your interest. If you're taking notes on your phone, let them know that's what you're doing! You don't want them to think you're ignoring them to play on your phone. However, carrying a padfolio is ideal because that will give you a place to store your copies of your resume and to professionally take notes during your conversations. In your notes, write down the name of the recruiter, the company they are representing, and their contact information so you can follow up with them after the career fair. 

After the Fair

• Send Thank You Emails: Follow up with a personalized thank-you note to the recruiters you connected with.

• Connect on LinkedIn: Another way you can follow up and demonstrate your interest is by sending a personalized connection request to the recruiters you spoke with on LinkedIn. If you are really interested in working for a particular organization, follow them on LinkedIn as well. 

Tips for Standing Out

Writing an Elevator Pitch

A well-practiced and put together elevator pitch is important to make a strong first impression. Here’s how to structure an effective elevator pitch:

1. Start with your name. :)

2. Background: Provide a brief overview of your academic or professional background. 

   • "Hi, I'm Sharon Thompson! I'm a junior at UTC, majoring in psychology."

3. Context: Give a bit of context about your school or previous experiences that highlights skills that may be relevant to the organization you are talking with.

   • "I've had the opportunity to work as a peer mentor on campus, and as a camp counselor working with children living with disabilities last summer."

4. Make the Connection: Relate your background to the organization or role you're interested in.

   • "Through that work, I've learned I really enjoy working with children and supporting others to be successful."

5. Make the Ask: Clearly state what you're looking for, whether it's an internship, a job, or a connection.

   • "I would love the opportunity to learn more about the Registered Behavior Technician roles you have at [insert company name here]. I think it would help me combine my love of working with children with my goal of supporting them through applied behavior analysis."

6. Close Out: Thank the recruiter for their time and express your desire to stay in touch.

   • "Thank you for taking the time to tell me more about [insert company name here]! I'll be submitting my application soon and look forward to speaking with you again soon."

Sample Elevator Pitch

“Hi, I'm Sharon Thompson! I'm a junior at UTC, majoring in psychology. I've had the opportunity to work as a peer mentor on campus, and as a camp counselor working with children living with disabilities last summer. Through that work, I've learned I really enjoy working with children and supporting others to be successful. I would love the opportunity to learn more about the Registered Behavior Technician roles you have at [insert company name here]. I think it would help me combine my love of working with children with my goal of supporting them through applied behavior analysis... Thank you for taking the time to tell me more about [insert company name here]! I'll be submitting my application soon and look forward to speaking with you again soon." 

Final Thoughts

Remember, career fairs can provide you with more than job/internship/practicum opportunities - they are the perfect place to grow your professional network and practice your professional skills. Don’t wait for graduation to start walking toward your chosen career path!

Follow Lasse Palomaki on LinkedIn for more career advice targeted to students!

Additional Resources

Berger, L. (2017, December 13). How to create your 30 second elevator pitch! The Intern Queen. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lb0Yz_5ZYzI 

Indeed Editorial Team. (2024). Advice for career fairs. Indeed Career Guide. Retrieved October 6, 2024, from https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/advice-for-career-fairs