A job fair (or a career fair) is an opportunity to meet with many employers at one event. It may be hosted by schools, employers, or professional organizations. They’re usually held in large public spaces such as hotel meeting rooms. While some fairs are open to the public, some are only open to certain attendees.

Because of the recent pandemic and the concern for participants resulting in limited large group gatherings, some fairs have gone “virtual.” In that case, job seekers can expect to network with recruiters and employers online via video or text chat in both group settings and one-on-one interactions.

Regardless of the setting, many of these same tips apply. Take a look at this list to get ready to take advantage of the opportunities provided in a job fair:

• Do your research and make a list. There are literally hundreds of job fairs across the country. Everything from small, single company hiring events to large sponsored events with multiple companies. Go to the job fair website and register. Then, make a list of the companies and jobs you are interested in and take the time to visit each of those company’s websites before the fair. Look at the content of the jobs, not just the job titles, and prioritize the jobs and companies you want to visit with first.
• Dress for the job you want. Regardless of whether you’re attending in person or online, dress professionally. If you’re going in person, wear comfortable shoes since you’ll be doing a lot of walking. Don’t carry a bulky briefcase or handbag. You want to have your hands free to handshaking and be able to walk through a crowd easily. Check your coat or leave it behind, you want to be comfortable.
• Update your resume. Depending on what type of career fair you attend, tailor your resume to focus on that job and city, if possible. Highlight relevant courses you’ve taken and experiences that showcase your skills. Prepare a couple of brief stories to demonstrate how you’ve handled common challenges in the recent past. Bring at least 20 copies of your resume along to hand out or if virtual, ask for an email address when you can send it. Print on only one side and make it concise and easy to read, using bullets and back up your statements with facts.
• Craft and practice your introduction (also called an “elevator speech.”) You should be able to give it comfortably and conversationally to quickly introduce yourself, your experience, and the kind of work you’re looking for. Remember, you are telling the potential employer who you are and what you can do for them. Make it all about them.
• Be polite and make eye contact. Make sure you wait your turn, have a firm handshake, and launch into your introduction, giving the employer time to respond.  Make it a conversation, not a monologue, and listen intently to what they ask you as a follow-up. Be sure to ask some relevant questions and what the next steps are. Thank the person and ask for a business card so you have their contact info.  You’ll want their email address for a future follow-up.
• If you’re attending virtually, be sure your desk and background space are clean and not distracting. Test your computer and make sure everything is working well before the fair starts. Also, make sure you have a backup option if you encounter technical difficulties. You may be able to call in if need be. 
• Follow up after the fair. Be sure you send a thank you to each of the people you spoke with and attach your resume. Use this opportunity to reiterate how your background and skills match their needs. Be sure to personally address the individual you met with and mention the name of the fair you attended. It may be hard for them to remember all the encounters they had at a large fair, so add something from your conversation that will jog their memory.

Key Takeaways:

1. Polish your resume and consider making up some business cards to bring along.
2. Think about what you’ll bring, what you’ll wear and who you’ll target.
3. Ask questions about the company and the skills they value.
4. Be prepared to describe your career and skills in your “elevator speech.”
5. Send a thank-you email as soon after the fair as possible.