Get practical tips for making the most of university career fairs, from picking the right companies and perfecting your elevator pitch to tweaking your resume and so much more.
Contents
Career fairs are a golden opportunity to meet employers who are already interested in your background. And if you’re looking for an internship or a full-time position, career fairs offer a great chance to get your foot in the door. But even if you don’t land an interview or a job, they’re still the perfect chance to meet people and build connections for the future.
One of the biggest advantages of career fairs is that employers attending are actively looking for students from your school. In fact, some even pay to be there, specifically to connect with potential hires.
In this article, you’ll learn:
How to prepare for career fairs by filtering and researching companies and tweaking your resume
How to have a meaningful conversation and deliver your elevator pitch
How to organize your day for maximum results
How to avoid feeling awkward
How to increase your chances of landing an interview with your follow-up to recruiters
Don’t waste days compiling overused interview techniques. Get original answers to every single question you could expect.
Alright, time for tough love. Here’s how it’ll play out if you show up to a career fair unprepared:
You’ll waste time just walking around, not sure where to go.
You’ll feel lost and overwhelmed by all the recruiters and students.
You won’t even know what to say when it’s your turn.
You’ll miss out on interesting opportunities because you haven’t done your research.
You’ll probably make a bad impression on recruiters who can tell you’re not ready.
You’ll leave with zero interviews or offers, and feel down for weeks.
A couple of hours of prep can turn that scary career fair into a job offer for you.
Here’s a quick breakdown of how to prepare:
Let’s get into the details.
Narrow down the right companies
Career fairs can be overwhelming, with so many companies competing for your attention (and so many other students competing to land a job or an internship).
It’s easy to feel lost, but a bit of research beforehand can go a long way in helping you focus your time and energy only on the companies that align with your goals.
Here’s how you can quickly eliminate companies that aren’t a fit for your background or aspirations:
Look at the list of all the companies attending the fair. Eliminate the ones that are not in your industry or that don’t hire for roles you want to apply for.
Dive into what each remaining company offers. You can focus on:
Consider things like company culture and long-term growth opportunities, not just existing vacancies.
If you know someone working for the company, have a brief chat with them to get a sense of what it’s like working there.
Then, select your top companies. The number will depend on how many companies are participating and how many are a match, but I don’t recommend shortlisting more than 10.
Going for 5 primary ones, and another 5 nice-to-haves is a good approach.
Refine your resume
Showing up to a university career fair without your resume is like going to the gym without your headphones. I mean, you can do it, but you’ll certainly be a lot less productive.
The catch with resumes is to showcase relevant skills, projects, internships, and coursework that align with the roles you’re aiming for.
Now, there are a bunch of resume templates and tips online, but it’s important to be aware of what the recruiters are looking for in the context of university career fairs. Here’s a few tips:
The education section is super important! Place it at the top of your resume and make sure you list your university, expected graduation date, what you’re majoring in, and your GPA (if 3.5 or higher).
Keeping your high school information on your resume can be ok if you’re a freshman. If not, you should focus on filling your resume out with college details, so make sure you’re getting active and engaged and have stuff to feature on your resume.
Regarding the Experience section: if you haven’t landed an internship yet, it’s ok to keep your high school work here. But if you already have an internship or two up your sleeve, feature that information in the experience section, without focusing on high school jobs.
Have a separate section for extracurricular activities where you’ll list things you did and accomplished in college, like relevant classes, clubs you’re in, hobbies, or awards you got.
Keep your resume simple and to the point. Don’t go overboard with colors or design (although a pop of color can be cool if you’re in a creative college looking for a creative job).
And here’s a few general tips on how to write a resume:
💡Final tip: I usually advise job seekers to tailor their resume for each company they apply for. However, you’re in a different situation here. You’re still in college, your priority is education, and it’s certainly not easy to create 10 different resumes for 10 different companies you shortlisted.
First, you still don’t have enough experience to be able to produce 10 different variations of your resume; then, a regular job seeker will certainly not apply for 10 companies in a single day, and finally, it’s really easy to mix something up and give a wrong resume variation to a wrong company.
Still, it’s good to do at least a little bit of adjustment, so I’d advise you to create 3 different variations of your resume:
One for roles prioritizing creativity (highlighting communication, design, creativity, time management…).
One for roles prioritizing analytics and numbers (emphasizing problem-solving, data analysis, critical thinking, attention to detail…).
One for general internships (focusing on transferable skills like teamwork, communication, problem-solving, adaptability…).
The exact categorization will depend on your target industry but you get the gist — just have a few key variations based on the types of positions you’re targeting.
Finally, here’s a few resume tips from career fair recruiters:
When deciding what to wear for a career fair, aim to strike a balance between professional and approachable.
Business casual is your best bet, and here are a few ideas:
A smart blazer over a simple top (like a blouse or button-up shirt).
Tailored pants or a knee-length skirt.
Professional shoes, comfortable but polished (no sneakers or flip-flops).
Colors:
Wear classic colors like black, navy, grey, or white.
Avoid overly bright or flashy patterns. If you want to stand out, do it through small details like accessories or a neat tie.
✅Pro tip: Unless you’re aiming for a very corporate field (finance, law), you don’t need a full suit. For creative or tech fields, business casual is perfectly fine and can still be professional.
Finally, make sure you bring a professional bag with you. It can be a sleek, medium-sized bag where you’ll pack copies of your resume, a notebook and a pen, and a few essentials like your wallet, and a pack of breath mints. Networking can get close, so fresh breath is always a plus. 😉
Practice your elevator pitch
An elevator pitch is a brief (but hopefully impactful) introduction that summarizes who you are, what you’re studying, and what you’re interested in. The whole point is to grab recruiters’ attention, introduce yourself, and start a conversation.
Remember: it’s essential to make your elevator pitch a part of a natural conversation with a recruiter rather than simply memorizing it and reciting it like a script.
Here’s why it’s important from the recruiter’s point of view:
Recruiters want to see you as a person, so make sure your elevator pitch flows seamlessly into a genuine dialogue.
How to make an elevator pitch natural
Start with a question to get the convo started instead of diving into your pitch. For example, “I noticed your company focuses a lot on sustainability. Can you tell me more about that?” This will create space for you to smoothly discuss how your education and experience align with the company.
Be responsive. Listen to what the recruiter is saying and use their responses to shape the pitch. For example, if they mention something about the company’s mission or a current project, you can tie your experience to that.
Use natural transitions. Let your conversation flow. For instance, if the recruiter shares something about their team’s culture, you could say, “That sounds like something I’d love to be a part of, especially since I’ve worked on projects that require collaboration and creativity, like X and Y…”
Stay relaxed and confident. Keep your body language open and avoid sounding robotic. Focus on speaking like you’re chatting with someone you’d like to get to know better. A bit of humor can help make you sound more genuine.
Ask for feedback. Something like, “Does that sound like something that would fit with what you’re looking for?” This opens up the convo and allows the recruiter to engage with you, rather than just passively listen. Plus, you’ll gain valuable info on whether or not you presented your skills and experiences properly.
💡Based on the tips above, you can see that just like a resume, an elevator pitch works best if it’s slightly adjusted for every person and company you’re speaking to.
Here’s how one student managed to stand out from the competition exactly because he was able to have a smooth conversation with the recruiter:
To make your pitch both engaging and effective, follow these tips when talking about your skills and experiences:
Keep it concise. Aim for about 30–60 seconds. You want to grab their attention without overwhelming them with too much information.
Focus on what sets you apart. Highlight your unique strengths, such as your academic background, specific skills, or hands-on experiences that tie into the role or industry you’re after.
Show enthusiasm because passion is contagious. Show excitement about the field you’re pursuing, as it will make your pitch more memorable.
Include a call to action. Close by asking for a business card, a follow-up meeting, or suggesting a more detailed conversation. This shows you’re eager and proactive.
✅ Pro tip: One of the best ways to feel more confident and smooth during your pitch is to role-play different scenarios. Practice with friends or mentors as if you were at the career fair. Ask them to play the role of a recruiter, and then practice adapting your pitch based on their questions or reactions.
Check out what makes a great elevator pitch:
Navigating the Fair Day: How to Maximize Your Time and Leave a Great Impression
To make the most of your time at the career fair and leave a perfect first impression on recruiters, here are a few tips you can follow.
Schedule your day
When it comes to university career fairs, planning ahead can make all the difference between feeling rushed and overwhelmed versus having a smooth and productive day.
Here are ideas for creating a schedule that helps you make the most of it:
Be strategic with your stops. Go back to your list of preferred companies and mark them as your priority. But bear this in mind: first, visit a few (2-3) companies you care about, but which are not super important. That way, you’ll warm up and relax, and get a sense of what a good conversation should feel like. Then, go on and hit your top choices — you’ll be focused, confident, and ready to make a lasting impression.
Map out your route. Most career fairs have a floor plan available online. Use it to plan the order in which you’ll visit companies. Try to group them by location so you’re not unnecessarily running across the entire venue.
Arrive early. Aim to get there right when the fair opens. You’ll avoid long lines, and get to meet recruiters when they’re fresh and energized. Plus, you’ll have the advantage of catching their attention before the crowds arrive.
Take breaks strategically. Schedule short breaks between visits to recharge. Grab a water, check your notes, or just go outside for a minute to chill. Pacing yourself will make the day feel much less overwhelming.
Save midday for general conversations. After you’ve hit your top companies, the middle of the day is a good time to visit other booths. You might find some unexpected opportunities, and the lines might be shorter by then too.
Use the last hour strategically. Towards the end of the fair, use the last hour to check in with any recruiters you had a good conversation with but didn’t get to exchange details with. Follow up on any unanswered questions you had earlier.
Consider the time of day for energy. Keep in mind that everyone has a natural energy rhythm. If you’re an early bird, plan to hit your priority booths first thing. If you’re more of a night owl, schedule your most important visits in the late morning or early afternoon.
By organizing your day this way, you’ll feel more in control, less stressed, and more likely to make meaningful connections with recruiters.
Who to approach and how
At career fairs, you’ll meet two types of people: recruiters and HR personnel.
Recruiters are usually your go-to for job opportunities. They know the nitty-gritty of the roles they’re filling, including everything about the desired qualifications — because they’re the ones actively seeking good candidates.
HR personnel, in turn, are more about the big picture and paperwork. Chat with them about the technicalities of your application, but don’t expect to uncover the secrets of the universe (or even this particular role).
Dos and don’ts of initiating a convo with recruiters
When you approach someone at a career fair, the goal is to make a strong impression — quickly. Here’s how.
Do:
Start a natural conversation. Approach them with an insightful question or a humorous remark and start the conversation. Have your elevator pitch ready but be prepared to slightly modify it based on the flow of the conversation.
Show genuine interest and knowledge of the company and the role. Find a way to include the information you discovered during the research phase. A recruiter or HR person is more likely to engage with you if they see you’re interested in their organization.
Be polite and respectful of their time. If they seem busy or distracted, keep your questions concise and move on after a few minutes. It’s about making a positive connection, not monopolizing their time.
Ask insightful questions. If you did your research, you’re probably in the loop with the company and its recent initiatives, so you can ask more insightful questions that reference your research. If you need some inspo, here’s a guide: 40+ Smart Questions to Ask at the End of Any Job Interview. (The guide was written with candidates with experience in mind, but you can pick up several tips and tricks for coming up with interesting questions as a student, too.)
Here are some questions you should avoid at all costs (and alternatives that’ll give you the same information):
Involve other students in the conversation, if they’re around. A recruiter once told me they pay attention to this and prefer candidates who involve other students in the conversation if there are a few of them standing in front of the booth. It demonstrates your communication and teamwork skills, and it’s a big green flag that you’re easy to work with and fit in.
Don’t:
Don’t interrupt. Let them finish what they’re saying before jumping in with your questions or comments. This shows respect and ensures you understand the conversation.
Don’t be overly aggressive. A career fair is not a place to push for an immediate job offer. It’s much more important to build rapport with recruiters.
Don’t come unprepared. If you don’t know a single thing about the company, it might be better to skip that booth instead of approaching them and being clueless.
The right way to engage with companies
As we already mentioned, a career fair is full of students like you who are looking for the same thing as you are. So how do you stand out?
By understanding the roles recruiters are hiring for and by sharing relevant experiences and skills that show you’re a fit.
Here’s how to do it.
Look at job descriptions beforehand (if available) and consider how your skills and experiences align. When you have this understanding, you can see if you’d be a good fit, and you’ll get ideas on how to align your experiences with what the company is looking for.
Think of it like having a conversation about your strengths, but making sure to tie everything back to the company’s needs. For example:
If you’re speaking to a recruiter for a marketing role, mention a successful project you worked on during your internship where you used data to influence a marketing decision.
If you’re interested in a role in tech, you could highlight any coding projects or hackathons you’ve participated in and how you’re eager to bring those skills to the company’s upcoming projects.
Plus, you can ask more targeted questions like:
“The [Position Y] requires a lot of client-facing work. I’ve developed strong communication skills through my volunteer work and internships. What’s the client interaction like in this role?”
💡 If you frame your experiences in the context of the role, plus ask an insightful question to expand the conversation, you show the recruiter that you understand what the job requires and how you could add value.
How Not to Feel Awkward
I get it — career fairs might freak you out because they feel like such a big deal. And they kind of are, but…
Nobody is there to judge you. Recruiters and you are there to get to know each other.
The key is shifting your mindset: a career fair is an opportunity for conversation, not a high-pressure interview. Once you embrace that, the awkwardness tends to melt away.
Why companies want you
It’s really simple: companies need employees. Many companies want to develop talent early and give you the chance to grow within the organization.
For recruiters, hiring you is a win-win because they get a chance to shape future employees and bring in individuals with the latest academic knowledge.
This works in your favor, too. Companies know that as a student, you’re looking for an opportunity to learn and grow.
This makes the interaction less about proving you have all the answers and more about showing you have the passion, fresh energy, innovative ideas, and drive to succeed.
Debunking the most common myths
To help you feel more confident, let’s debunk some career fair myths.
Myth: “Career fairs are useless.”
Debunked: Career fairs are far from useless. Even if you don’t land a job immediately, they’re an excellent opportunity to learn about different industries, practice your networking skills, and get your foot in the door for future roles. Many companies use these events to identify talent for internships, mentorships, and future hiring needs — so they’re anything but a waste of time.
Myth: “I need to have all the answers to every question.”
Debunked: No one expects you to have every detail figured out. They’re looking for potential, enthusiasm, and the willingness to learn. Focus on sharing your strengths and interests, and don’t stress if you don’t have all the answers.
Myth: “Recruiters will think I’m not qualified because I don’t have a ton of experience.”
Debunked: Companies know you’re still in school and gaining experience. They value your ability to learn quickly and your eagerness to contribute. Often, they’re hiring based on potential, not just experience.
Myth: “I need to be super formal to make a good impression.”
Debunked: While professionalism matters, most recruiters want a natural conversation. Don’t recite your elevator pitch like a poem you learned by heart. Have a conversation. A little warmth, authenticity, curiosity, and confidence will set you apart from others who might stick to scripted answers.
After the Fair: How to Secure Your Foot in the Door
After the career fair is over, it’s time to take action and turn those first interactions into lasting opportunities.
Here’s how to keep the momentum going and secure your foot in the door.
Have a follow-up strategy
After the fair, sending a personalized thank-you email can make all the difference. It’s your chance to leave a lasting impression and remind recruiters of who you are.
What to include:
A quick thank-you note to express gratitude for their time and information.
Something from your conversation that stood out: a project you discussed or a shared interest in the company’s mission.
Your alignment. Tie in your strengths and experiences that align with the role or company. This is your opportunity to reinforce why you’d be a great fit.
A simple thank-you email shows you have manners and it helps keep you top of mind for recruiters.
LinkedIn is your best friend after the career fair. Use it to connect with the recruiters or company representatives you spoke with. But in order not to be forgotten, you need to engage with these people:
Send a personalized connection request. Remind them of who you are, and mention your conversation and your interest in staying connected.
Engage with their content. If the company posts updates, share them or comment with your thoughts. It keeps you on their radar and shows you’re genuinely interested.
Depending on your field, there will be other professional platforms, groups, or forums you can join. Dig around and find out.
It’s important because building these professional relationships can turn into valuable networking down the line, so keep the connection alive.
Evaluate your opportunities
Once you start hearing back from companies, it’s important to evaluate each opportunity thoughtfully.
Compare interview invitations or job offers and look beyond salary. Consider factors like company culture, career development opportunities, and work-life balance. Make sure the opportunities align with your long-term goals. You don’t want to waste your (and their) time if you’re not a good match.
✅ Pro tip: A practical way to keep track of all your options is by creating a comparison sheet. Set up a simple Google Sheets table with key columns like:
Company Name
Role
Salary/Compensation
Location
Culture Fit
Growth Opportunities
Interview Process
It’ll be easier to compare your options side by side and weigh the pros and cons of each opportunity. This method not only helps you stay organized but also ensures you’re making an informed, thoughtful decision.
Summary of the Main Points
University career fairs are extremely important for you as a student. Even if you don’t get a job or an internship right away, they allow you to practice your networking skills and learn about different roles and industries.
To make the most of your time there, prepare a list of companies you’re interested in and focus only on them.
Do the research beforehand and gather information on the company and the role. This will help you have more meaningful conversations and ask the right questions.
Make sure your resume is up-to-date and if possible have a few versions focusing on different key areas of your field.
Dress professionally but no need for a suit unless you’re in a very corporate field like law.
Have your elevator pitch ready but don’t learn it by heart. Instead, learn to adjust it so it flows with the conversation.
Arrive early, prioritize your key companies, and take regular mini breaks to recharge.
Make sure you can lead a natural conversation instead of being robotic or being interested only in handing in your resume and asking if they have an opportunity for you.
After the fair, follow up with recruiters via email and connect with them on LinkedIn.
FAQ
What should I do if I feel nervous or anxious about approaching recruiters at a career fair?
If you’re feeling nervous, take a deep breath and remember that recruiters are there to meet students like you. Prepare a simple introduction and have a few questions ready to guide the conversation. Start by speaking to a less intimidating booth or practicing with a friend. The more you engage, the more comfortable you’ll feel. Everyone is nervous, and recruiters understand that.
How can international students make the most out of career fairs, considering work visa requirements?
International students can still make the most out of career fairs by focusing on networking and building relationships with recruiters. Research companies that sponsor work visas and ask about their hiring policies for international candidates. Be sure to mention your visa status early in the conversation, but also highlight your skills and how you can contribute. Many companies are open to hiring international talent, especially for roles requiring specialized skills.
Are there any strategies for connecting with companies that are not directly related to my major?
Even if a company isn’t directly related to your major, you can focus on transferable skills and how they align with the company’s needs. For example, if you’re studying something like engineering but are interested in marketing, highlight your problem-solving, teamwork, and analytical skills, which are valuable in many fields. Also, ask about entry-level roles or internships that can help you transition into that industry. Companies often value diverse backgrounds and fresh perspectives, so you can explore opportunities outside your major if that’s what you’re interested in.
What are some tips for dealing with technical questions or tasks from recruiting companies on the spot?
Stay calm and take a moment to think through your response. If you don’t know the answer immediately, be honest and say, “I’m not sure, but here’s how I would approach it…” This shows your problem-solving skills. If it’s a coding test or something hands-on, explain your thought process as you work through it. Recruiters are often more interested in how you approach challenges than in getting the “right” answer. So keep it clear, methodical, and don’t be afraid to ask clarifying questions if needed.
What should I do if I’m not looking for a job immediately but want to keep my options open for the future?
Focus on networking and gathering information. Approach recruiters with curiosity, asking about future opportunities or internships that might align with your goals. Let them know you’re currently exploring options and may be interested in applying later. Connect on LinkedIn, stay engaged, and ask about the company’s growth or upcoming projects. Building these relationships now can pay off when you’re ready to take the next step.
What steps can I take if the company I am most interested in doesn’t have a booth at the fair?
Start by checking their website or LinkedIn for upcoming hiring events or career fairs they might be attending. You can also reach out directly to recruiters or employees via LinkedIn to express your interest and ask about opportunities. Sometimes companies hold virtual info sessions or networking events that you can attend.
How can students with disabilities navigate career fairs, and are any additional resources or accommodations typically provided?
Many career fairs offer accommodations for students with disabilities, so it’s important to check in advance with the event organizers to see what’s available. Some fairs may provide accessible venues, sign language interpreters, or extended time for interviews. When you register or sign up for the fair, you can also reach out to ask about any specific support they offer. During the event, feel free to let recruiters know if you need any adjustments or if you have specific preferences for communication.
Maja Stojanovic
A writer specialized in interview preparation and resume building. Spent 5+ years tirelessly seeking a meaningful, rewarding job. Which is exactly what I’ll help you find.
Edited By:
Michael Tomaszewski
Fact Checked By:
Briana Dilworth
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