Prepare in Advance:

  • Have an updated résumé. Highlight skills, experiences, and accomplishments. Use an easy-to-read format with no typos.
  • Research companies before the career fair. Never ask, "What does your company do?"
  • Practice interview skills. Use Interview Prep or Career Services' mock interviews.
  • Know your schedule in case you are asked for an interview.

Day of the Fair:

  • Be knowledgeable about the company before introducing yourself. Review company info from the company website in advance.
  • Show confidence with a firm handshake, smile, and eye contact.
  • Be honest about your experience (focus on positive points).
  • Dress the part. Business attire is recommended for all (especially full-time seekers and business students).

Prepare Your 30-Second Elevator Speech:

Include:

  • Your name, graduation date (and career status)
  • Major/field of interest
  • Type of position you are seeking (internship, co-op, full-time)
  • Why you are interested in the company

Example:

"Hi, I'm Rachel Reed, Management Information Systems major, graduating in May 2026. [Pause to allow the recruiter to give their name.] I have experience in systems analysis and networking, but am specifically interested in database design and web development. I recently learned that you create interactive 3D data visualization screens at [company name]. Could you tell me more about full-time positions at [company name] within web development?"

Increase Your Chances of Success:

  • Tailor your introduction to each employer you approach based on research and knowledge of each company.
  • Practice your introduction. Assess your nonverbal communication: eye contact, facial expressions, body language, and posture. Practice with a mirror, a friend, online using Interview Prep, and/or with a Career Counselor.

Do...

  • Get an employer location map and familiarize yourself with the layout.
  • Prioritize your employers of interest and approach your top companies before the end of the fair; they get tired, too.
  • Show confidence with a good, firm handshake.
  • Bring different versions of your résumé only IF you have multiple interests; you do not need a tailored résumé for every employer.
  • Visit employers that align with your career goals.
  • Ask for business cards.

Don't...

  • Say "I don't know" or "I'll take anything" when employers ask about your interests.
  • Visit the company tables with friends or in a group.
  • Forget to take notes after your conversation; you won't remember everyone you talked with.
  • Be offended if a company asks you to apply online; many employers use this as their official application method.
  • Sell yourself short; this is the time to mention your accomplishments.

Interacting with Employers: 

Questions to Ask Employers:

  • What qualities do you look for in candidates at [company]?
    *Listen for those that you have, then give the recruiter an example of how you have used them.*
  • In researching [company], I saw that you [insert trend here]; can you tell me more about that?
  • What type of training do you offer?
    *Only ask if not stated on company website.*
  • If hired, what type of projects might I work on initially?
    *Only ask if not stated on company website.*

Typical Questions from Employers:

  • Tell me about yourself.
  • What do you know about our company?
  • Why do you want to work for us?
  • What are your most valuable experiences?
  • What questions do you have for me?

Follow-Up:

  • Always end with: "What are the next steps in the hiring process?" or "Is there an estimated decision date?" and "May I call or email you?"
  • Decide which companies you are interested in and follow up where your conversation left off. If asked to complete an online application, do so and send a thank you note to the employer letting them know you completed the application.