Prepare for In-Person Career Fairs

• Register for the career fair to receive reminders and announcements! (Registration is recommended but not required)​
• 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 websites 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. You can also use Ask A Viking!

• Use the Career Services Center Develop your Resume webpage to help you present your education, experience, skills, activities, and goals clearly and concisely.​
• Consider using the SkillsFirst Resume Builder or Career Services’ Sample Resumes to make certain your resume is professional in appearance and is free of errors.​ ​
• Attend an upcoming Resume Clinic to have the Career Services Center review your resume well ahead of time! Can’t make it to a resume clinic? Email it to us for review well ahead of time or schedule an appointment.​​
• Bring 5-15 resumes to the career fair—you can have them printed prior to the career fair at the Career Service Center, Old Main 280!​  ​
• Cover letters are not necessary when you are giving your resumes out in person.

• Prepare a 30 – 60 second introduction, sometimes called an elevator pitch, using the Career Services Center Developing your Pitch handout. Check out our Networking Examples page to help you get started on your introduction.​
• Anticipate questions the employer might ask. Think about potential answers that show knowledge of the industry and how your interests and background relate.​
• We recommend using the Career Readiness Competencies to brainstorm some of the skills and strengths you’ve gained from different experiences. ​

• As you research employers you are interested in connecting with, create a list of questions to ask them. We have a list of sample questions below to get you started. 

• Dress as if you are going to an interview in clothes that you feel confident wearing!​
• 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!​

• 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! Have a 30 – 60 second introduction prepared and be ready to start or close the conversation with a handshake—or respond if one is offered.​
• Ask questions that show your knowledge of and interest in the industry/organization. See our list of suggested questions 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.​
• Have your resume available. As you wrap up the conversation, offer a copy of your resume. You can print your resume on high quality paper for free in the Career Services Center!​
• 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 send them your resume.​

• Ask recruiters for their business cards so you can get the correct spelling and titles of the recruiters you speak with regarding job opportunities. Make notes on the business cards to help you remember the nature of the contact (follow up required, etc.).​
• Before you leave the booth, 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.​

• 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 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.​
• 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 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]​