Looking for an internship or a full-time job? Attending a career fair can be a great place to start.
IUPUI Career Services shares these tips to help you make the best impression and have a successful experience:
Before the career fair
- Create or update your resume and LinkedIn profile. Make copies of your resume on nice paper to hand to employers.
- Find out which employers are attending and make a list of the ones you want to talk to.
- Develop an elevator pitch to summarize your education and professional goals in 15 to 30 seconds.
- Write two or three informed questions to ask each recruiter.
- Prepare your outfit. At most career fairs, the recommended attire is business casual.
During the fair
- Smile and be confident.
- Introduce yourself to recruiters with a handshake and your name.
- Give your elevator pitch and ask questions.
- Ask how they would prefer any follow-up after the fair and thank them for their time.
- Jot down notes on what you learned from each employer.
After the fair
- Review the notes you took and decide whether you want to pursue any of the opportunities you learned about.
- Apply to the opportunities you’re interested in.
- Send a thank-you email to each of the recruiters you spoke to within 48 hours. If you applied for their opportunity, let them know.
- Connect with recruiters on LinkedIn.
For a deeper dive into resume building, job hunting, interviews and more, check out the Career EDGE modules offered through Canvas.
