For job fairs, the general expectation for attire is either business professional or business casual. For more details, check out this article.

Additionally, here are a few items to bring with you:

• Resume & Cover Letter — Consider bringing hard copies. If you can’t bring a hard copy, try to streamline your digital copies by using cloud services like google drive and a QR code for easy access.
• A folder — You’ll likely come across tables with job applications, pamphlets, and various other items to save and look back later.
• A notepad / note-taking device — You never know what sort of on-the-spot information you might come across that you need to jot down.
• Positive Vibes — This is a great networking opportunity and a chance to meet people in various industries.

• Set Goals. Job fairs can be overwhelming or underwhelming if you don’t have a clear goal that you want to achieve. Your goals can be simple! For example, you might decide on 2-3 companies that you specifically want to tailor your resume to and apply for. Or, you might settle on connecting with at least 10 employers to reach out to for a summer job. Your goal is complete up to you!
• Do your research. When available, you should always check out the list of companies attending the event. Go to their company website and find their Mission Statement to get a sense of their values and their goals. This is a good way to align yourself with the company before meeting them.
• Tailor Your Resume. “Should I tailor my resume?” If you’re looking to transition into a full-time job or career, then yes it is a good idea to tailor your resume to target specific job postings or companies. It takes a little more effort and time, but in return, your approach to the company feels more intentional. If you’re not sure where to start, check out our Resume Guide or reach out to career support services.
• Social media — Some employers are going to look into your online footprint. So, stay ahead of the game by doing a quick Google search on yourself and see what pops up. Clean up any questionable posts, memes, images and make sure that your profile picture is clear. If you haven’t yet, consider building a LinkedIn or Handshake Profile.
• Craft and practice your elevator pitch. With so many potential employers to meet, you won’t always have time to have a long extended conversation with a recruiter. You need an elevator pitch to give employees a quick TL;DR about who you are.

• Prioritize Your Goals. Visit the companies that you plan on connecting first. If you have some extra time, be sure to explore other companies to see what they have to offer.
• Resumes. Have some physical copies on hand to present to employers if they ask. If you can’t print it out, uploading a physical copy on your Handshake or LinkedIn profile is always helpful. Additionally, use cloud-based storage services like Google Drive to have a PDF readily available to send to a representative’s email.
• Don’t neglect the soft skills. The resume only shows who you are on paper. At a job fair, your interpersonal communication skills is your main tool.

• Take a break. Job Fairs can be mentally taxing! If you can, take a breather before moving on to your next step.
• Prepare to Follow Up! Part of rounding out a good impression with potential employers is to follow up. Prepare an email containing a thank-you message to the employers you’ve met. Not sure how to write that email? Check out this article.
• Prepare for Interviews. There’s always a chance that you meet a company who might establish an interview date so make sure you brush up on those interview skills. If you want a basic starting point, check out our Interview Guide or contact career support services.

No matter what year or where you are at in your academic/career journey, we encourage everyone to sign up and attend the job fair. Even though you might not be currently job hunting, it’s never a bad idea to attend and gain an idea of what the job market is like and what sort of opportunities await for you in your latter college years or after graduation.

If you happen to get an on-the-spot interview, be prepared to-

1. Connect your values and education to the company’s mission.
2. Discuss how your skills can further the company’s goals
3. Elaborate on your work style and communication style.

On the flip side, you can also ask questions, if time permits.

1. “What does a day to day in the office / field look like?” Job descriptions are often loaded with tons of detailed information. With this question, you might be able to get some insight into the general feel of the work environment.
2. “Is this a position where I can receive more training that could lead to upward mobility?” In other words, is there a way for you to receive training or professional development so that you could grow within the company?

There are other topics such as employer benefits or salary range might be something to explore depending on the conversation. If not, you can always save these topics for the right time.