There are many reasons to attend a career fair. You may be looking for a new job or a way to gain professional experience in a program-related internship. Even if you are not seeking a new opportunity, attending a career fair can be a great way to make connections and also practice your professional introduction. There are many ways to prepare for a career fair so that you feel confident and have a meaningful experience. There are also a few things to do after the fair to make a lasting impression.

Before the Fair

Update Your Resume 

• Ensure you are tailoring your skills to the jobs that you are targeting.

Prepare Your Handshake Profile

Handshake is a platform where employers post jobs and internships for MATC students.

• Complete your Handshake profile as 80% of students and alumni who do this receive personalized messages from recruiters inviting them to apply for their open opportunities.

Research, Research, Research

• Determine which organizations are attending the career fair and learn more about their mission, opportunities, locations and scope of work.
• Identify which companies best align with your career goals and map out a plan to make targeted connections.
• Prepare questions to show that you are engaged and eager to learn more about their organizations.

Prepare Your Elevator Pitch 

• Prepare a one-minute introduction highlighting your education, skills, previous work experience if applicable and future goals. Don’t forget to practice!
• Take it a step further and share how you think your skill set will help the organization as employers want to know what you can do for them.

Plan Your Career Fair Attire

• Wear clothing that fits appropriately and appears neat and clean.
• Dress a step above what you would wear on the job.

Day of the Fair

You are ready for the big day! What should you bring with you?

• Plenty of copies of your well-polished resume.
• A folder or padfolio to keep your items organized.
• Paper and pens.
• Your well-rehearsed elevator pitch and prepared questions.

After the Fair

• Apply to any positions of interest.
• Send “thank yous” to employers.
• Follow organizations on Handshake.
• Stay in touch and send LinkedIn connection requests.

With a little preparation, you will have a successful career fair experience and CareerHub is here to support you!

Connect with the employment team to get career ready and visit our events page to check out our upcoming career readiness workshops and career fairs.