Picture a bustling room filled with company booths, representatives with friendly smiles, and the air buzzing with possibility. That, friends, is a career fair. Whether you’re a student exploring potential career paths or a seasoned professional looking for new opportunities, a career fair is a goldmine of opportunity—offering a unique chance to connect with multiple employers in one place.
But with all of that potential, it's natural to feel a little overwhelmed. You might be thinking, “what exactly happens at such an event?” And wondering what to wear to a career fair so that you stand out in the very best way.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to prepare for a career fair, what to do while you’re there, and how to follow up afterward to boost your chances of landing a job.
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What is a career fair?
A career fair, also known as a job fair, is an event where companies, recruiters, and educational institutions gather to meet prospective employees. These fairs can take place in person or virtually, offering job seekers the opportunity to network, learn more about different industries, and explore job openings.
A career fair is more than a one-stop opportunity to hand out your resume and leave hoping for the best. It's a chance to make real connections with recruiters, ask insightful questions, and present yourself as a top candidate for future roles. And to land this impact, you must go in prepared.
So, what happens at a career fair? Companies from various industries set up booths to showcase their organizations and the positions they're looking to fill. You, along with other potential candidates, get the chance to connect with recruiters and hiring managers face-to-face, learn about different companies, and even score an interview on the spot!
How does a virtual career fair work?
Virtual career fairs have become increasingly popular for their convenient and accessible way to connect with potential employers. Here's a general overview of how they work: Once you’ve registered for a virtual career fair, you'll gain access to the platform where companies showcase their profiles, job openings, and company culture.
You'll connect with recruiters through chat, video calls, or scheduled appointments, so be prepared to discuss your skills and experience. Some fairs allow you to apply directly, but always follow up with a personalized email. Even though virtual career fairs are online, the same principles of preparation and networking apply.
Now that we have that covered, let's break down the details of a career fair: what to bring, what to wear, what to say, and much more.
Before: How to prepare for a career fair
The key to succeeding at a career fair lies in preparation. Here’s how to get ready before the big day.
Research the companies attending
Most career fairs will provide a list of companies that are attending ahead of time. Review this list and focus on the companies that interest you the most. Visit their websites, and learn about their values, open positions, and company culture. This prior research will help you make meaningful conversations with recruiters.
Polish your resume and bring plenty of copies
Wondering how many resumes to bring to a career fair? A good rule of thumb is to bring at least 10-15 copies, especially if you plan to meet with multiple employers. (In fact, always bring a few more than you think you’ll need.) Your resume is your first impression at a career fair, so make sure it's up-to-date and free of errors.
A pro tip is to tailor a few copies to the companies you've previously researched and you already know you're interested in. If you have experiences in different roles, approaches, and technologies, you should also create different CVs tailored to each expertise.
For a little extra guidance, read this next: How to Tailor Your Resume for a Job
Prepare your elevator pitch
An elevator pitch is a 30- to 60-second summary of who you are, what you do, and what you're looking for in a job. Practice it ahead of time so you’re ready to confidently introduce yourself when the time comes.
“Give the person that you're talking to a clear idea of who you are, why that particular business caught your eye, what you want to do, and how it might have a positive impact at the company,” says business owner Priscilla Mensah, who has attended numerous career fairs as both an employer and participant. “You should act as if you are that company. What would make you be the person that they’d want to talk to if the tables were turned?”
Here's an example: “Hi, I'm Jane, a recent graduate with a degree in marketing. I'm a passionate social media strategist, and following Company XYZ's profiles, I'm eager to share how I can collaborate with the team's growth. Do you have current marketing openings?”
Dress the part
Figuring out what to wear to a career fair is a crucial part because visual communication speaks as loudly as words. You’ll want to dress in professional or business-casual attire—and err on the side of too formal, rather than too casual.
“It's always easier to take off your blazer than it is to try to dress up torn jeans,” Mensah says. “No shorts, no jeans, steer clear of sneakers if you can.”
Even if it’s waist-up at a virtual career fair, dressing the part can help you feel confident and make a positive impression. Stick to clean, well-fitting clothes and avoid anything too casual.
If you work in a creative field, showing off your style and personality through your looks—while still being appropriate for the occasion—is very welcome, especially if you found out in your research that the company you have your eyes on celebrates individual identities.
Plot out time and energy management
Have an idea of what you want and with whom you want to connect. “Shake hands at a lot of the different booths but focus your time and energy on those that offer energy trading avenues,” Mensah says. “Focus on the booths in industries that you can talk about freely without having to mine your mind trying to find something to talk about.” You’re not here to waste your time or theirs.
During: What to do at a career fair
Now that you're prepared, here’s how to make the most of your time once you’re at the career fair.
Approach recruiters with confidence
Approaching a recruiter can be nerve-wracking, but remember that they’re there to meet people like you. Walk up to the table with a smile, make eye contact, and introduce yourself with your elevator pitch. A good introduction sets a strong foundation for a successful conversation.
Ask thoughtful questions
Don’t just hand over your resume and move on. Engage with the recruiter by asking thoughtful questions that show you’re interested in the company and the role. For example, you can ask, “Can you tell me more about the company culture?” or “What skills are you looking for in a candidate for this position?” These questions help you learn more about the company and also demonstrate that you’re serious about your job search.
Out of ideas? Read this next: 7 Kinds of Questions to Ask at a Career Fair to Make a Great Impression
Take notes and collect business cards
Keep track of the companies and recruiters you speak with by taking notes. Collect business cards when offered and write down key details on the back so you can personalize your follow-up later.
After: How to follow up
Spoiler: The answer to “what do I do after a career fair?” is never “nothing, just move on.” The work doesn’t stop once the career fair is over. Taking these steps afterward can help you stand out and keep your momentum going.
Send a thank-you email
Follow up with recruiters you connected with by sending a personalized thank-you email within 24-48 hours of the fair. Mention something specific from your conversation to jog their memory, and express your interest in future opportunities.
For example: “Thank you for taking the time to speak with me at the career fair. I enjoyed learning about Company XYZ’s marketing team and am excited about the chance to contribute to your social media strategy. Please keep me in mind for any upcoming openings.”
Keep applying and following up
If there were job openings discussed during the fair, apply online as soon as possible and mention in your application that you met with a recruiter at the career fair. Continue to follow up professionally if you don’t hear back after a few weeks, but be patient and courteous.
Let's be real: what are the chances of getting hired at a job fair?
The chances of getting hired at a job fair can vary significantly. While some attendees may receive job offers on the spot, for many, the fair serves as a networking opportunity to explore potential employers and build connections.
Data on the exact percentage of attendees who receive job offers is limited. However, studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that the most likely outcome is securing an interview or making valuable contacts that can lead to future job opportunities. Attending a job fair can be a valuable investment in your career, even if it doesn't result in an immediate job offer.
Bottom line
Career fairs are a powerful tool for networking, job searching, and learning about companies. By preparing thoroughly, engaging with recruiters thoughtfully, and following up afterward, you can make a lasting impression and increase your chances of landing a job. Whether you’re just starting your career or looking for new opportunities, attending a career fair can help you take the next step toward achieving your professional goals.
FAQs
What to take to a career fair?
When it comes to what to bring to a career fair, pack several copies of your resume (10-15), a notepad and pen for taking notes, and business cards if you have them. If you have a professional portfolio or work samples relevant to the jobs you're interested in, bring those too. A bag or folder to keep everything organized is also helpful.
How to dress for a career fair?
Dress in professional or business-casual attire. Keep it simple and polished—avoid overly casual clothing like jeans or sneakers, even if the event is virtual.
What to say at a career fair?
Introduce yourself with a concise elevator pitch. Be ready to talk about your background, experience, and what you’re looking for in a job. Keep the conversation professional, friendly, and focused on your strengths.
What to ask at a career fair?
Ask thoughtful questions to learn more about the companies and positions you're interested in. For example:
- “What skills or experiences are you looking for in an ideal candidate?”
- “Can you tell me more about the company culture?”
- “Are there opportunities for professional development and growth?”
- “What does the hiring process look like for this role?”
How to prepare for a career fair?
Research the companies attending, practice your elevator pitch, and make sure your resume is updated and tailored to the type of roles you’re interested in. Also, prepare thoughtful questions for recruiters and dress professionally. Knowing which companies you want to target will help you focus your efforts and feel more confident.
What do you do at a career fair?
At a career fair, your main objective is to network with employers. You’ll introduce yourself, present your resume, ask questions, and learn about different job opportunities. Collect business cards, take notes on conversations, and engage with recruiters to make a lasting impression.
How many resumes to bring to a career fair?
Bring at least 10-15 copies of your resume, depending on the number of companies you’re interested in. It's better to have too many than too few, so always bring extra.
Career fair: what to expect?
At a career fair, expect a busy environment where multiple companies have booths set up to meet with potential candidates. You’ll get to talk to recruiters, ask questions about their company, and discuss job openings. Some career fairs may also have workshops or networking sessions. The goal is to make connections and gather information about job opportunities.
How do I stop being awkward at a career fair?
It’s normal to feel nervous, but preparation is key to minimizing awkwardness. Practice your introduction and rehearse your elevator pitch. Focus on asking questions and showing genuine interest in the company. Confidence will come from knowing that you’ve prepared well. If you feel nervous, take a deep breath before approaching a recruiter, and remind yourself that they’re there to meet candidates like you.
Should I give a cover letter at a career fair?
Typically, you won’t need to provide a cover letter at a career fair. Focus on delivering your resume and introducing yourself in person.
What to do at a career fair as a freshman?
As a freshman, career fairs are a great way to start networking early. Focus on learning about different industries and companies, building connections, and asking questions about internships or entry-level roles.
How to prepare for a career fair as a student?
Prepare your resume with any relevant coursework, volunteer work, or part-time jobs, and practice a brief introduction. Showing initiative and enthusiasm can make a lasting impression.