Preparing for the Virtual Career Fair

The Career Fair is a great way to connect with potential employers and showcase your networking skills. Get ready to make a great first impression! Follow these tips to prepare for the event.

Test your internet connection, audio, and video beforehand

Change your Zoom display name to your First Name, Last Name

• • You can also add: credentials, pronouns, and degree program

Make sure that your camera is on and your background is neat and professional. You can also:

• • Use a simple, virtual background

  • Blur your background

Select your professional attire and prepare your outfit in advance

Register for the event to receive important updates and information

Update your resume/CV and LinkedIn

• • Review this Resume Guide tip sheet here

  • Schedule an appointment with your school’s Career Advisor 

  • Visit the Office of Career Services Resources webpage and YouTube playlist for skills workshops, resume building tips (Videos #4 and #11), and more

Craft your Professional Introduction | Career Fair Prep Tip Sheet here  

• • Practice a 3-sentence introduction (>1 minute) to quickly share:

    • Who you are (your name, degree program, or current role)

    • Your skills/interests

    • A question you have for the Recruiter/Employer 

Check the Career Fair website regularly for participating organizations

• • Explore and research the organizations that will be attending and their open positions

  • For CUNY SPH students and alumni – review the Career Services weekly email for job descriptions from participating organizations

Identify the organizations whose sessions you would like to attend

• • Identify 5 organizations that you want to prioritize during the event

  • Make a list of questions you would like to ask during open Q&A

Checkout this guide on Informational Interviewing 

Keep your notes nearby and ask questions you’ve prepared in advance

Take note of the names and titles of the Company Representatives in the Breakout Room

• • What is the best way to follow up? 

Listen for the qualifications, skills, or knowledge required for the roles, positions, departments, or work teams that interest you  

• • What have you learned about the company culture or work environment?  What else are you curious about?   

Be strategic – Additional questions open the door for further communication  

• • Jot down points to include in a thank you note

Add your information to the Express My Interest form by Friday, April 12th 

• • Employers will have access to this sheet before, during, and after the event 

Submit your resume to the Career Fair Resume Collection by Tuesday, April 9th

• • Resumes can be submitted before the event

Follow the organization’s instructions for next steps

Connect with organizations on LinkedIn to receive company updates 

Sending a thoughtful Thank You Note helps you stand out, and demonstrates continued interest in the company

Schedule a follow up appointment with a Career Advisor for additional support