Tips for Career Fair Success

Developing networking skills and preparing for career fairs are essential steps. It’s never too early to start exploring your career, and like any skill, practice makes perfect!

In this "IST Careers Hot Topic Series" video, discover essential strategies for achieving career success in our latest video. We cover topics such as effective resume building, acing interviews, and leveraging networking opportunities.

This guide breaks down the process with clear, actionable steps to help you prepare, present yourself confidently, and make the most of career fair opportunities.

Before the Fair

Prioritize your target companies and start with one or two companies that are at the lower end of your list. This can help you to get in the flow of the event and get your nerves under control.
Review the career section on each company’s website.
If the event is virtual, be aware of a potential time limit on your conversation. Keep your introduction concise.

Update your resume and LinkedIn profile to make sure they're up to date.
Meet with an IST career coach to review your resume and LinkedIn profile and learn other ways to stand out in the applicant pool.
Upload your resume into Nittany Lion Careers.
Review your social media to make sure your online persona represents the best version of you to employers.

Review the full list of companies attending the event, and target no more than 10 organizations you would like to talk to.
Learn about your organizations of interest, why they do what they do, and any recent accomplishments or events that might have them in the news.
Follow the organization on LinkedIn to get the latest news from them.
Review job and internship opportunities they have posted on Nittany Lion Careers or on their website.

Review the college's Career Development Resources and Career Video Library.
Know your resume and be prepared to share successes and proud moments.
Practice introducing yourself and discussing skills that make you a good fit for the company.
Review the event platform or location to know how and when you can attend the fair.
Plan your day ahead of time. Consider time to travel to and from the event around your schedule to maximize your time at the event.Apply to open positions in advance if you want to demonstrate a high level of interest.
Make sure your voicemail is professional and not full so companies can connect with you and leave messages.
Plan your day ahead of time. Consider time to travel to and from the event around your schedule to maximize your time at the event.

Register for event and create a profile on the virtual platform.
Upload your resume to the virtual platform.
Test your camera, lighting, and speaker on the virtual platform.

Attending the Fair

Wear business professional attire and comfortable shoes as you might be standing for long periods of time. If you need professional clothes, check out the Professional Attire Closet.
Bring copies of your resume for employers who may request them.
Be sure to have an updated PDF of your resume available on your phone for employers that cannot take a hard copy resume.
Prepare your introduction to start the conversation, including your name, major, position of interest, and why you are interested in their organization.
Prepare questions for the recruiters, thinking about what you want to gain from this conversation that will help you in the hiring process.

Check in at the registration table and swipe your student ID.
Staff will be at the registration table throughout the event to answer your questions.
A coat and bag area will be available, but this area will not be monitored so plan accordingly.
The fair will be busy, so focus on listening to the conversations you are having with the recruiters.
Take notes from conversations in a notebook.
Be calm and pace yourself.

Connect in a quiet space that features an uncluttered background.
Prepare responses for text chats.
Leave the career fair window open to avoid missing any conversations with recruiters.

After the Fair

Continue your connection with the company by following the company on LinkedIn and connecting with the recruiter.
Send a thank-you message via LinkedIn or email to show your continued interest and highlight how you followed through on suggested actions such as "applying online."
Attend additional fairs and information sessions or seek out other events your companies are hosting to show your interest in their organization.
If an employer asks you to apply or email them your resume, do it! They don’t ask everyone, and you must apply before they can move you forward in the hiring process.

Questions? Contact us.

Before the Fair

Attending the Fair

After the Fair

Career Solutions and Corporate Engagement

Legal Statements