Prepare for Virtual Career Fairs

You must register in order to attend. Registering guarantees your spot and allows you entry into the remote event so you can sign up for sessions.​

Once registered you will need to sign up for sessions in order to meet with employers of interest. Be sure to double check your schedule to make sure you can make the session. This will be your first impression with the employer, plus you are representing WWU and your fellow students. 

• You’ll need to make sure you have the proper video and audio capabilities. ​
• Make sure you have access to a quiet space with an appropriate background since you’ll be engaging with the employer via videoconferencing.  Don’t have access to a quiet space? The Career Services Center has interview rooms you can reserve!

• 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 connect with us.​​
• Upload your resume to Handshake so the recruiter can access it! ​
• Cover letters are not necessary at a virtual career fair.

• 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 to get you started. ​

• Even in a remote setting, 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!​

• It’s the day of the fair and you’ve already registered, signed up for sessions, and checked the video requirements. Now what?​
• Log into Handshake and go to the event to review your schedule and get ready to Join a Virtual Career Fair Session.​
• For step-by-step instructions, go to Handshake's Guide to Attending a Virtual Fair​.
• Haven’t registered yet? Go back and follow steps in the Before the Career Fair, above.​
• Still looking for more employers to meet with? Handshake’s guide to Managing Virtual Fair Sessions will walk you through the process.

• Appear confident and enthusiastic! Have your 30 – 60 second introduction prepared.​
• 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.​
• Upload your resume to Handshake before the career fair or have a digital copy available to share (on screen or via email). As you wrap up the conversation, offer to share a copy of your resume. ​
• 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.

• Pay attention to the recruiter’s name when they introduce themself or ask again at the end of the conversation, so you can get the correct spelling and title of each recruiter you speak with regarding job opportunities. ​
• Before you leave the video conference, 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]

At a virtual career fair, you’ll need to pre-register and sign up for timeslots to meet with employers ahead of time, unlike in-person fairs where you can just show up. One advantage of virtual fairs is you don’t have to wait in line to talk to recruiters, and it’s less overwhelming since you’re not in a room with a lot of people—everything happens right from your computer.

• Handshake is the best place for college students and recent graduates to find internships and jobs!​
• 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 graduation date 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 or need additional support? Please submit your full name and email to Britta.Eschete@wwu.edu.​