Career fairs are a great way to explore industries, connect with professionals, and take steps toward figuring out your next opportunity. But walking into a career fair without a plan? That’s like showing up to class with no idea what’s on the syllabus.
Here are some quick tips to help you get the most out of it:
Do Some Research Ahead of Time
Take a look at who’s attending. Pick a few companies that interest you and look into what they do, their values, and what roles they’re hiring for. This helps you ask more thoughtful questions and show you’ve done your homework.
Make a Short List
You don’t need to talk to every single recruiter in the room. Pick 3–5 organizations you’re genuinely interested in and focus on connecting with them first. If you have time after that, feel free to explore others.
Practice Your Elevator Pitch
Remember that elevator pitch you developed during your cohort connection? Now’s the time to use it! A good pitch includes who you are, what you're studying, what experience you bring, career interests and goals.
Example:
“Hi, I’m Gloria, a higher education professional passionate about expanding student access to experiential learning, internships, and job opportunities. I’ve built my career around supporting student success through career education, resource development, and leadership programming. I’ve also led mentorship training, student advising, and program assessment initiatives. I’m especially interested in roles that allow me to connect students with meaningful career pathways while building strong campus and employer partnerships.”
Practice a few times so you can say it naturally and confidently.
Prep a Few Smart Questions
Asking thoughtful questions is a great way to stand out.
Try:
“What does growth and development look like at [Organization]?”
“What do you really enjoy about this role in particular?”
“Can you tell me a little bit about the different stages in the hiring process for [open role]?”
“I noticed you didn’t have any [type of role you are seeking] open just now. What kinds of opportunities in those areas do you foresee down the line?”
“What’s the best way to stay in touch with you?”
Not Graduating Yet? That’s OK!
It’s completely fine to attend even if you’re not applying right now. Use it to explore and gather advice.
Ask things like:
“What kind of experience should I try to get in college to be a strong candidate for this role later on?”
Don’t Forget to Follow Up
After the fair, send a quick thank-you email or LinkedIn message to the people you connected with. Mention something specific from your conversation and let them know how you plan to follow through on their advice. It’s a great way to stay on their radar.