Top 5 Tips for Having Your Best Career Fair

Making the most out of a career fair isn’t just about showing up on the day—it’s about the entire process, from preparation to follow-up and actually applying for positions. To truly succeed, you need a strategy that includes thorough preparation, active engagement during the fair, and follow-up afterward. Here’s how you as a student can prepare, make an impact at the fair, and take actionable steps to land a job through this process. Below are five essential tips to help you have your best career fair yet.

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1. Perfect Your Résumé and Online Profile

Your résumé is often the first impression you’ll make on a recruiter, so it’s essential to get it right.

Résumé ?Preparation:

• Keep it concise and professional—limit it to one page and avoid colors, pictures, or multiple columns.
• Use a clean, bullet-point format with these sections: Contact Info: Your name, email, and phone number. Education: Degree, major, and graduation date. Work Experience: Relevant jobs, internships, or volunteer roles with start and end dates. Skills: Technical, language, or other applicable skills. Optional: Relevant coursework, research, publications, volunteer work, awards, or honors.
• If you lack professional experience, highlight class projects, student organizations, part-time jobs, or volunteer roles to showcase transferable skills.

Online Profile:

• Update your Handshake and/or LinkedIn profile before the fair. Many companies have QR codes for students to scan during the event. They may look at your profile after the fair if your profile is set to allow public views. Ensure it is professional and complete.

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2. Research Like a Pro

Preparation goes beyond reviewing job descriptions. To stand out, dive deep into both the industry and the companies you’re interested in.

Industry Research:

• Understand the structure, jargon, and challenges of the industry.
• Stay informed on top issues and trends affecting the field.
• Use this knowledge to incorporate industry-specific language into your résumé and interviews.

Company Research:

• Visit the company’s main website and LinkedIn profile to learn more about recent/current initiatives, culture, and more.
• Learn about the company’s mission, values, recent projects, and goals.
• Prepare specific questions to show recruiters you’ve done your homework.

Why It Matters: Recruiters are impressed when candidates demonstrate genuine interest and preparation. Research helps you tailor your approach, stand out from the crowd, and shows you don’t want “just any job” – you want that one.

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3. Master the Art of Networking

Career fairs are more than just job opportunities—they’re your chance to build connections that can open doors.

Approach Networking with Curiosity:

• Focus on building genuine relationships rather than delivering a rehearsed elevator pitch.
• Ask thoughtful questions that show your interest, such as: What challenges is your company currently addressing? What resources would you recommend for learning more about this field? What are the unspoken rules in your industry?

Build Relationships:

• Start with casual conversations and express curiosity about the company.
• Reference your research to make a memorable impression.
• Follow up with a thank-you email within 2 days to maintain the connection.

For International Students:

• Use Handshake, LinkedIn, or fair maps to identify companies with OPT/CPT and visa sponsorship options.
• Start researching early to pinpoint which employers will be there, and who might align with your needs.

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4. Be Strategic in Your Job Applications

Applying effectively is about balancing quality and quantity.

Avoid Common Mistakes:

• Many students skip the research and networking steps, applying to hundreds of jobs with no results.
• Mass applications without preparation can lead to frustration and missed opportunities.
• Recruiters and Hiring Managers can quickly identify applications that are untailored or created fully by AI.

A Balanced Approach:

• Apply to a reasonable number of jobs while tailoring your applications. Aim for 5 – 20 applications per week, and then adjust as needed.
• Use insights from your research and networking to craft stronger résumés and cover letters.

Why It Works: When you integrate all steps—preparation, research, networking, and application—you’re more likely to secure interviews and offers.

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5. Pay Attention to the Details

Small actions can have a big impact on your career fair experience.

Consistency Across Touchpoints:

• Employers notice every interaction, from your résumé and emails to how you engage during the fair. Make each touchpoint count by leaving a positive and enthusiastic impression.

Professionalism Matters:

• Treat all recruiters with respect, even if their company isn’t your top choice. Negative behavior can harm your reputation, as recruiters often share feedback with their peers.

Follow-Up is Key:

• Send personalized thank-you emails to recruiters after the fair. This simple step reinforces your interest and professionalism. Reintroduce yourself/Remind them of when you interacted with the recruiter. Reiterate an interesting part of your specific conversation. Express interest in the company/position. Ask to stay in touch as you say “Goodbye”.

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Final Thoughts

• ? A career fair is more than just an event—it’s an opportunity to take charge of your career path. By preparing thoroughly, doing your research, networking effectively, applying strategically, and paying attention to the details, you can make the most of this experience.
• Use these tips to stand out, build meaningful connections, and take the next step in your career journey. Good luck, and we’ll see you at the fair!

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Written by Natsumi Avedissian (Employer and Campus Relations Coordinator at University of Nebraska at Omaha)