After two years of mostly online career fairs, colleges and employers are bringing them back in person. Hiring managers and students are ready to meet face to face again.
The strong job market, especially for students with computer science or STEM degrees, raises one question: do we still need in-person or virtual career fairs? Yes. Career fairs are a smart way for seniors, undergrads, and students looking for internships to meet employers, learn about open roles, and start building a network.
If you are wondering how to prepare for a career fair, these career fair tips can help with resumes, networking, and virtual events.
Amie Ryno, manager of the Center for Professional Development in the Rohrer College of Business at Rowan University, says the goal is not just to find a job today. It is also to meet employers, build relationships, network, and learn who is hiring. Employers are also looking for interns, and students can learn about companies they may want to join.
Lolisa Torbert, assistant director of career events at the University of Miami's Toppel Career Center, agrees. She says it is never too early to attend a career fair. Many employers want sophomores or juniors for internships, not just seniors who are close to graduation. The fair is free for students, so it is a good way to practice meeting employers.
Torbert also says students at the University of Miami must register through Handshake before each fair.
Many colleges use Handshake, a student-focused job board that connects students and alumni with companies looking for interns and new talent. More than 18 million students and recent grads, 550,000 employers, and 1,200 universities use it, including Amazon, Tesla, and Bank of America.
Whether you attend in person or online, use these career fair tips to get the most from the event. Our recruiting team recommends the following.
Career Fair Tips: Dress Professionally
First impressions happen fast. Dress as you would for an interview.
- Men should wear a suit or a nice dress shirt, tie, and clean pants.
- Women should wear a suit or dress pants or skirt with a polished top.
- Skip jeans, sweatshirts, T-shirts, and anything too tight or revealing.
Career Fair Resume Tips: Bring Resumes
- Employers will ask about your background, so your resume matters.
- Make sure it is accurate and polished.
- If you do not have work experience or internships, add school projects, coding competitions, or hackathons.
- Be ready to talk about those projects. Employers want to see your creativity.
- Share your passion for the field.
Career Fair Networking Tips: Have a Strategy
- Most schools share a list of attending employers and open roles before the fair.
- Larger fairs often do the same and may list the jobs in highest demand.
- Research the companies you want to meet so you can speak with confidence.
- Bring questions and examples that show why you are a strong fit.
Questions to Ask Employers at a Career Fair
- Learn as much as you can about the companies that interest you.
- Prepare questions that go beyond what is already on the company website.
- Avoid generic questions.
- Ask about the work, the team, and the skills they want most.
- Make a strong impression by showing that you did your homework.
Sign Up for On-Campus Interviews
- Many employers offer same-day or next-day interviews.
- If you are interested, ask the recruiter if they have one.
- It shows real interest and can move you ahead of other candidates.
Virtual Career Fair Tips
Most of these tips also help at a virtual career fair. You still want to research companies and dress well. In addition:
Check Your Tech
Test your settings before the fair. A weak Wi-Fi signal can ruin the start of a virtual fair. A quick test helps your skills shine, not your connection problems.
Use Your Home Office
Join from a quiet spot with a clean background and good light. A computer is better than a phone because it usually gives you better sound and a more stable connection.
Look Into the Camera
Look at the camera, not just the person on the screen. Sit up straight, keep good posture, and show confidence.
How to Follow Up After a Career Fair
Always send a thank-you note to the people you meet. Include your resume again, restate how your background fits their needs, and stay in touch. That simple step can help keep the connection warm.
Harvard University also advises students to use the follow-up note to show how their background and skills fit the employer's needs.
Good luck!
Q&A
Question: Is it worth attending a career fair if I'm not graduating this year?
Answer: Yes. Career fairs are useful for all students, not just graduating seniors. Employers often look for interns and like meeting sophomores and juniors early. Attending helps you learn who is hiring, build relationships, practice meeting employers, and prepare for future roles.
Question: Do I need to register for career fairs, and how do I do it?
Answer: Many colleges require advance registration, often through Handshake. The University of Miami, for example, asks students to register through Handshake before each fair. Since many universities and employers use the platform, check your school career center and the event listing for deadlines.
Question: What should I bring and highlight if I have limited work experience?
Answer: Bring a clean, polished resume and be ready to talk about school projects, coding competitions, and hackathons. Employers want to see your problem-solving skills, creativity, and passion for the field. Use clear examples to show what you can do.
Question: How can I stand out when speaking with recruiters?
Answer: Prepare with care. Review the list of employers and open roles, research the companies you want to meet, and bring thoughtful questions that go beyond the website. Dress well, explain why you fit the role, and ask about same-day or next-day interviews if you are interested.
Question: What extra steps should I take for a virtual career fair?
Answer: Test your tech and internet connection ahead of time, join from a quiet and professional-looking space, and use a computer if possible. Look into the camera, keep good posture, and send tailored thank-you notes after the event.
