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Career Fairs and Networking Events

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About

Career fairs and networking events are your chance to meet employers, explore opportunities, and make connections that can open doors. Whether you’re job hunting or just exploring, showing up and engaging helps you stand out.

Networking is one of the most effective ways to learn about opportunities. Sometimes they are the only way. The job you want could come from a recruiter you meet, an alum you connect with, or even a friend’s parent in your field.

Your network can grow in many places:

  • Career fairs and info sessions
  • Professional associations
  • Alumni networks
  • Social networking sites
  • Internships and co-ops
  • Faculty, supervisors, referrals
  • Friends, family, and personal connections

Career fairs aren’t just about handing out resumes. They’re a chance to learn about organizations, connect with recruiters, and make a strong first impression. These are the insights you won’t find in a job posting.

Things to know

Attending a career fair can be overwhelming, but with tips and practice, you will be ready to take full advantage of the opportunity.

Before the fair

Getting Ready with Handshake

  • View registered employers before attending.
  • Select 5 must talk to employers and 5 would like to talk to employers
  • Make notes on those companies: missions and values, open positions, locations, etc.

What to expect at the event

  • Make sure you leave yourself enough travel time to get to and from the event.
  • Check-in: Bring your ID
  • Devise a strategy: Plan your route through the venue by reviewing the layout of employer locations.
  • Firm handshake: come with a strong voice, good eye contact, and a warm smile.

What to bring to the event

  • You, ready in your business professional attire, with plenty of updated resume copies
  • Folder to hold the copies without wrinkling them
  • Paper clip to store employer or recruiter business cards
  • Solid answer to “tell me about yourself.”
  • Questions to Ask Recruiters as a Career Fair

During the fair

Navigating the venue

  • The location may be crowded and noisy. Feel free to step away and take breaks if you need to.
  • Don’t crowd an employer who is engaging with another student.
  • Actively listen to conversations happening while you wait.

Engaging with employers

  • Before approaching the booth or table, take a deep breath.
  • Now make good eye contact with the recruiter and introduce yourself. Be aware of the speed, tone, and volume you are using.
  • Deliver your elevator pitch with confidence and offer a copy of your resume.
  • Don’t collect more giveaways than you can hold in one hand.
  • Thank the recruiter for their time and get their contact information to follow up later.

After the fair

Follow up

  • Send an email within 24 hours of your meeting or the following Monday if the event was on a Friday.
  • Complete any specific application directions given.
  • Be persistent but not overbearing. Within a reasonable amount of time, it is okay to send an email or call to inquire about the status of your application.

Start your journey

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We’re Here to Help

The Career Readiness Team is here to support your career and professional development year-round. Our services are available both in-person and remotely to meet your needs. 


Schedule an appointment for personalized guidance.  

Rachael Conrad

Student Experience Coordinator

Courtney Pletcher

Career Development Specialist

Connect With Us