Think of these events as conversations, not interviews, where you can ask questions, gain insights, and discover career paths you might not have considered. Come with curiosity, not just a resume, and challenge yourself to meet someone new. You never know what opportunity or inspiration might come from a simple chat!
The steps below will help you feel prepared:
Register for the event & research participating organizations
Find events - Upcoming Fairs & Events
Then, take some time to review the employers and organizations that are attending the event. Read about their organization and any open positions they are actively recruiting to fill, or research details about their organization culture (Mission, Vision, Values).
Update your Handshake & LinkedIn profiles.
Make sure that your profile is up to date and that your profile visibility is set to Community or Public so that employers can discover you and have an accurate sense of who you are. Include relevant experiences and update your Career Interest survey on Handshake so that employers know what your goals and interests are.
Create / update your resume.
Including a resume on your profile or offering to share your resume with a recruiter is another great way to stand out during an event. Check out our Guide to Resumes - tips on how to get started with your resume and some examples.
Visit drop-ins to get feedback on your resume or submit it to Brightspace site for feedback.
Practice telling your story
When it comes time to meet with a recruiter, how will you introduce yourself? Be ready to answer questions like:
- Why are you interested in the company?
- What types of positions are you seeking?
- How is your previous work experience relevant?
Also think about what questions you plan on asking the representatives.
Practicing ahead will help you be more comfortable and confident. Drop-by to speak with a peer leader for help in crafting & practicing your personal pitch.
Other Tips
- Dress to impress
- Be distraction-free
- Ask if the employers would like to connect via LinkedIn
- Always follow up with the recruiters you spoke with to say thanks and let them know if you are applying.
Join an Interest Group
Connect to folks with shared interests in a vibrant social network.
Find Your Group