Career fairs offer a unique opportunity to take charge of your professional journey by connecting with a diverse range of employers and industry professionals all in one place.
Whether you are seeking an internship, a full-time position, or simply exploring career paths, these events provide invaluable networking opportunities, personalized insights into industries, and access to recruiters eager to discover new talent.
We often plan professional development events strategically ahead of Career Fairs to help you prepare. These events often include resume help, interview skill building, and networking opportunities. Visit our Events Page, check Handshake, or find us on EagleSync.
The following resources are available to help you update your resume.
Check what companies will be at the fair and research your top choices by reviewing their website, news stories, press releases, and social media pages. The employer list can be found in the event details in Handshake. At a minimum, you should know what the company does before you talk to them.
Note: Companies hire for many different positions, not just positions directly associated with their services. For example, Hospitals and Schools need IT, HR, Social Workers, and Communications Specialists, not just nurses and teachers.
Prepare good questions that exemplify your knowledge about the company. For example, ask about current projects their company is working on, how to prepare for a job in their field, when they typically hire interns (if they’re not currently), what kinds of qualities they are looking for in their candidates, etc.
Include your name, what you’re studying, your class level, what kind of employment you’re looking for and why you’re interested in the company. Your introduction should take less than a minute.
Examples: Hi, I’m Ana. I’m a junior in Computer Science at EWU and I’m looking for an Internship that starts this summer. You’re company really interests me because… Do you have an internship program?
Hi, my name is Samuel. I’m in my last year of the MSW program at EWU I’m looking for full-time opportunities in health organizations. This organization really interests me because… What kinds of opportunities do you have for new graduate social workers?
Some employers are prepared to interview potential candidates at the career fair or very soon after!
Dress professionally even if you are just passing through! Show these employers that your college is the right place to meet a quality group of potential candidates. Check out our professional attire resource for guidance.
Attending a career fair is an exciting opportunity, but preparation is key to making the most of it.
To ensure you leave a lasting impression on recruiters and feel confident about your next steps, it is important to approach the event with a plan.
From polishing your resume to following up after the event, every action can make a difference in how successful your experience will be.
Make eye contact, smile, and say hello. Shake the employer’s hand, and introduce yourself with your prepared introduction.
Ask questions about the company that aren’t readily available on their website. For example:
Never ask what their company does. That shows lack of preparation.
Employers not only look at skills related to the field, but also soft skills such as communication, stress management, confidence, and love of learning. Try to display these traits while talking to them.
Don’t monopolize the employers’ time and be respectful of others waiting to speak with them. Don’t be afraid to take their giveaways, but don’t focus too much on them. Remember to say please and thank you.
Towards the end of the conversation, ask if you can offer them your resume or if they prefer that you apply online. Ask for a business card so you can follow up with them after the fair and/or connect with them on LinkedIn.
A career fair is your chance to connect directly with employers, learn about opportunities, and make a strong impression. To ensure your time is well spent, it is important to engage actively during the event. From initiating conversations with recruiters to attending company presentations, the way you interact at the fair can open doors to exciting possibilities.
Here is a list of key actions to take during the career fair to help you stand out, build relationships, and gather valuable insights for your career journey.
Follow up and Apply
Sending a thank you note or email after the fair is a good opportunity to remind employers of your interest & skills. Check spelling, grammar, and tone before sending! Staying connected on LinkedIn if you have an up to date profile is a great idea too.
Apply to positions at organizations you found interesting.
Here Are 10 Tips You Need to Know. Your guide to preparing for virtual career fairs and making a great impression with recruiters.
Handshake’s Guide to Attending a Virtual Fair (Goes over the student process of finding, registering, and participating in a virtual fair on Handshake).
Video Example of a Virtual Career Fair “Session” with an employer (the student view starts at 5 minutes and 55 seconds if you want to skip ahead)
Though this covers individual sessions, the group sessions are very similar to this but include more students.
Participating in “Sessions” Article – If you plan to participate in a virtual career fair, this guide will provide you with an outline to make the most out of your experience!
Handshake Video Requirements & Troubleshooting (Students) – a comprehensive sequence of steps to follow for troubleshooting purposes.
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Eastern Washington University
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Fax: 509.359.6940
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