What items should you bring to a job fair to support your resume?

1 Resume copies

The most obvious item that you need to bring to a job fair is your resume. However, you should not just bring one copy, but several copies that are tailored to different types of jobs or employers that you are interested in. For example, if you are applying for both marketing and sales positions, you should have two versions of your resume that highlight your relevant skills and achievements for each field. You should also make sure that your resume is updated, error-free, and formatted well. It is a good idea to print your resume on high-quality paper and store it in a folder or portfolio to keep it neat and organized.

2 Business cards

Another item that can help you make a lasting impression and build your network is a business card. A business card is a simple and effective way to share your contact information and personal brand with potential employers and other attendees. Your business card should include your name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile or website. You can also add a brief summary of your skills, value proposition, or career objective. You should design your business card to be professional, clear, and consistent with your resume and other materials. You should also bring enough cards to distribute to anyone who shows interest in your profile or offers to connect with you.

3 Portfolio samples

If you are applying for a creative or technical job, such as graphic design, writing, or engineering, you should bring some samples of your work that can showcase your abilities and achievements. A portfolio can help you demonstrate your skills, style, and quality of work to potential employers and give them a better idea of what you can offer. You can bring either a physical or a digital portfolio, depending on the nature of your work and the preferences of the employers. A physical portfolio can be a binder, a folder, or a booklet that contains printed copies of your work. A digital portfolio can be a laptop, a tablet, or a flash drive that contains electronic files of your work. You should select your best and most relevant work samples and organize them in a logical and attractive way.

4 Elevator pitch

An elevator pitch is a short and persuasive speech that summarizes who you are, what you do, and what you are looking for in a job. It is called an elevator pitch because it should be concise enough to deliver in the time it takes to ride an elevator, which is usually around 30 seconds. An elevator pitch can help you introduce yourself to potential employers, capture their attention, and express your interest in working with them. You should prepare your elevator pitch in advance and practice it until you feel confident and comfortable. You should also customize your pitch to match the specific job or employer that you are talking to. Your elevator pitch should include your name, your current or previous role, your skills and strengths, your career goals, and a call to action.

5 Questions and notes

The last item that you should bring to a job fair is a list of questions and a notebook or a device to take notes. Asking questions can help you learn more about the employers, the jobs, and the industry, as well as show your enthusiasm and curiosity. You should prepare some general and specific questions that can help you gain valuable information and insights. For example, you can ask about the company culture, the expectations and challenges of the role, the hiring process, or the next steps. You should also take notes during or after each conversation to remember the key points, the feedback, and the follow-up actions. Taking notes can help you review and evaluate your performance, as well as send personalized thank-you notes to the employers.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?