Why Career Fairs Matter
Genesis10 attends career fairs. Career fairs provide an opportunity to make an impression in a way that a resume cannot. You are able to make face-to-face connections with recruiters who will make the hiring decisions for their companies. When meeting a recruiter, you want to stand out—for positive reasons, of course. Based on our experience, we have come up with helpful tips on how to make a great first impression at your next career fair. These career fair tips can help you focus on how to make a good impression at a career fair.
Tips for Making a Great First Impression
Dress Professionally
First impressions are made in a few short seconds. Just as with interviews, when attending a career fair, dress in professional attire.
- Men: A suit and tie is preferred. If that expense isn’t manageable, a nice dress shirt, tie, and clean pants will work great.
- Women: Suits are also preferred. Dress pants/skirt and a professional-looking top will also work.
- Avoid: Jeans, sweatshirts, T-shirts, or anything too tight or revealing.
- If you’re unsure what to wear to a career fair: Choose the most polished option you can assemble and err on the conservative side.
- Anecdote: Our recruiting team has seen its share of questionable attire, but the most interesting outfit we’ve come across at a career fair has to be a candidate who walked up to our booth in full leather chaps, cowboy boots, and a cowboy hat.
Bring Your Resume
Most employers want to have a brief conversation with you about your background, and your resume is a crucial part of that conversation.
- Make sure it is accurate and professional.
- If you do not have work experience or internships, add school projects and campus involvement.
- Bring several printed copies. It’s a simple cornerstone of how to prepare for a career fair.
Plan Your Approach
Almost every school will publish a list of attending employers and their open roles prior to the career fair.
- Prioritize employers and roles with a brief career fair preparation checklist.
- Research target companies so you can be on point when you meet recruiters.
- Prepare a few good questions to ask recruiters at a career fair and examples of why you would be a good fit.
- At the fair, read company descriptions before you speak with a potential employer.
- While recruiters don’t expect you to know every industry detail, avoid asking, “So, what do you guys do?”
Sign Up for On-Campus Interviews (If Offered)
Many organizations host next-day or even same-day interviews.
- If you’re really interested in a company, ask the recruiter if they are hosting either.
- It shows immediate interest and can put you at the front of the line—one of the most direct answers to how to get interviews at a career fair.
Be Respectful and Courteous
The Career Center at the University of California—Berkeley offers a quick reminder to be respectful of participating employers and fellow job seekers:
“Demonstrate sensitivity to others waiting to speak with employers by keeping your questions brief and offering to continue your conversation at a later time.”
“Enjoy the fair and your interaction with the employers. Let your positive attitude show!” We couldn’t agree more. This reflects core career fair etiquette and offers a simple guide to how to talk to recruiters at a career fair while being mindful of others’ time.
Q&A
What should I wear to a career fair?
Answer: Dress professionally. Suits are preferred for everyone. If a suit isn’t feasible, men can wear a nice dress shirt with a tie and clean pants; women can wear dress pants or a skirt with a professional-looking top. Avoid jeans, sweatshirts, T-shirts, and anything too tight or revealing. If you’re unsure, pick the most polished option you have and err on the conservative side.
I don’t have internships or work experience—what should go on my resume?
Answer: Bring several printed copies of a resume that is accurate and professional. If you lack formal experience, highlight school projects and campus involvement to show your skills and initiative. Your resume will anchor the brief conversation recruiters want to have about your background.
How should I prepare before approaching employers at the fair?
Answer: Review the list of attending employers and the roles they’re recruiting for, then prioritize your targets. Research those companies, prepare a few good questions, and be ready with examples of why you’re a fit. Read the fair’s company descriptions before you speak with a recruiter. While recruiters don’t expect you to know every industry detail, avoid asking “So, what do you guys do?”
How can I increase my chances of getting an interview from the fair?
Answer: Ask recruiters whether they’re hosting same-day or next-day on-campus interviews and sign up if offered. Doing so signals immediate interest and can move you to the front of the line.
What etiquette should I follow when talking with recruiters and waiting in line?
Answer: Be respectful and courteous. Keep your questions brief, be mindful of others waiting, and offer to continue the conversation later if needed. Enjoy the interaction and let a positive attitude show—professionalism and courtesy make a strong impression.
