Prepare for Virtual Career Fairs

View a list of upcoming career fairs

Two people talking virtually to each other on their computers

Registration Logistics & Connecting with Employers

You can view career fair details and register (for free) on Handshake.
Please log into your Handshake Student Account and scroll to “upcoming career fairs” to review registration details and sign up!

Employers can offer time slots for a mix of 1:1 and group sessions to meet with them through video conferencing (Handshake, Zoom, Teams, etc.)
Group sessions are 30 minutes long and can include up to 50 participants (other students/alumni and multiple representatives from the organization.
Individual sessions are 10 minutes long and you will meet 1:1 with the recruiter
You can sign up for as many sessions as desired, with the following guidance:
Session times may not overlap. If you would like to sign up for a session, but there is a red dot to the right of the time, this indicates the time overlaps an existing signup. You'd need to cancel the existing session or event registration in order to proceed.
You may sign up for multiple 1:1 sessions from the same employer, but not more than one session with the same recruiter. If you'd prefer a different session time with a recruiter, you'll first need to cancel your existing 1:1 session, then select a new time.
Upon registration, you can start building your schedule of individuals and group sessions with employers.

For more information, read Handshake's Guide to Attending a Virtual Fair.

Upon registration, you can start building your schedule of individuals and group sessions with employers.
Employers will continue to register up to a week before the career fair, so be sure to log into your Handshake account to view newly-registered employers.

Read Handshake’s Signing Up for & Managing Virtual Fair Sessions article for step-by-step instructions.

Handshake provides options to search for jobs/internships, attend virtual information sessions and interviews, register for career/information fairs and network with the Handshake Community!
All incoming/current students automatically have a Handshake account, you just need to activate your free account at Handshake.
For information on this or Handshake tutorial guides, please visit our Student Handshake Hub. You’re also welcome to request an appointment with the Career Services Center to get started!

Yes!  All Western Alumni -regardless of when you graduated, or degree are always welcome at any event organized by the Career Services Center!

Graduates prior to 2018, will need to request a free Handshake account.
If you graduated between 2018-2021 and remember the personal email address you submitted to WWU on your degree application form, use that email to log in to Handshake.
Not sure if you submitted an email address?  Please submit your full name and email to Britta.Eschete@wwu.edu.

Person sitting in their kitchen using their computer for a virtual meeting with another person.

Before the Career Fair

Review the list of participating employers and available jobs and internships in advance on Handshake.
You can also check out company reviews from other students on Handshake.
Identify and prioritize companies and organizations which interest you and/or that have indicated an interest in your major or skillset.
Research companies by reviewing their web sites and finding contacts who might be able to tell you more about the organization. LinkedIn is a great way to find current or past employees that may give you candid information.

Present your education, experience, skills, activities, and goals clearly and concisely.
Make certain your resume is professional in appearance and contains no errors.
Upload your resume to Handshake
Have the Career Services Center review your resume well ahead of time! Email it to us for review or schedule an appointment.
Cover letters are not necessary

Be prepared to make a 2–3-minute introduction, including information about your major, graduation date, academic accomplishments, internships, leadership experience, and/or related work experience and skills. Relate your background to what you know about the employer's needs.
Anticipate questions the employer might ask. Think about potential answers that show knowledge of the industry and how your interests and background relate.
Develop a list of questions to ask each of your targeted employers.

Even though you’ll be attending virtually, it's still important to dress as if you are going to an interview.
Make sure your clothing and hair are neat and tidy, since you may be making a first impression with a potential interviewer.
Don’t have anything professional to wear? No problem! Come visit the WWU Career Closet!

Attend a workshop from the Career Services Center to help you prepare!

During the Career Fair

Review the career fair participants in Handshake and target employers who interest you.
Download the career fair directory and map or grab a paper copy at the door to locate your targeted list of employers.
Allow enough time. If you plan to see numerous companies, one hour may not be sufficient, especially if they’re popular!
Talk to as many employers as you can. Undoubtedly, you will learn much about the employment market, networking, and job search strategies. Remember to take detailed notes so you can remember everything!

Appear confident and enthusiastic! Demonstrate engaging nonverbal skills by maintaining good eye contact and a firm handshake.
Ask questions that show your knowledge of and interest in the industry/organization. (link to question section below)
Show your interest in applying your academic background to opportunities employers may have. Don't apologize for lack of experience.
Answer questions clearly and concisely.
Avoid questions regarding salary and benefits.
If the representative isn't seeking someone with your skills, ask for a contact name of an individual in the organization who might be looking for someone with your background so you can mail them your resume.

Before you leave the video call, ask how you can best follow up or how soon you can expect to hear from the company.
Thank them for their time and let them know you plan to follow up with them.

Questions to Ask Employers during Career Fairs

The best way to engage with a company representative to learn about the company and create a strong first impression is to ask good questions. Because of the research you to prior to the career fair, you will probably come up with more specific questions for each company.

After the Career Fair

If a recruiter asks you to follow up by sending a list of references, scheduling an appointment, submitting transcripts, etc., make sure you do so promptly.
Send a thank you message or email to each employer with whom you speak. It is important to contact the employers within a week or two following the fair. Your message should thank the employer for the information received at the career fair, review your qualifications, and ask for a follow up.
You can send a message directly to the recruiter through Handshake. Read Handshake's Guide to Attending a Virtual Fair to learn how.
You can also connect with the recruiter on LinkedIn. You should always add a note when sending a connection request. Here’s a LinkedIn connection request template you can use :
- Hello [Recruiter name],
  It was a pleasure meeting you at the career fair last week. I was truly impressed by our conversation and the insights you shared about [Company Name]. I look forward to connecting further and hopefully exploring how I can be a valuable addition to your team.
  Best regards,
  [Your name]

AA/EO

Accessibility Statement: This event is intended for all participants, including those with visible or non-apparent disabilities. For disability accommodation(s) (such as ASL interpretation, etc.) please contact the Career Services Center, careers@wwu.edu. Advance notice is appreciated and sometimes necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

Registration Logistics & Connecting with Employers​