8 Tips to Prep for YNCN’s Winter Career Fair (2023 edition)
Whether you are a seasoned career fair attendee or a networking novice, it is important to be well-equipped and prepare yourself. Properly preparing for before, during, and after the career fair will not only help yield the best results, but also significantly reduce stress and nervousness.
i) Before the Career Fair
1. Research
Research ahead of time which companies will be attending and specific job postings that you are interested in. Once you have identified these opportunities, take the time to further research them (i.e. company values, new product launches, company mission). Draft some thoughtful questions to ask recruiters based on the information you have researched — this will demonstrate your interest in the company and how knowledgeable you are.
Based on the research you have done, rank the attending companies to maximize your time during the career fair. We would suggest taking this a step further and creating a timed plan for which company booths, workshops, and 1:1 chats you plan on attending.
2. Networking Prep
The thought of networking may seem very intimidating, but putting the effort in making connections can fast-track your job search and lead to unique opportunities.
Prepare a short elevator pitch of yourself that you can use when introducing yourself to recruiters. This pitch can consist of your name, school, program, anticipated graduation date, and relevant experiences. You can tailor your pitch based on the company and position you are interested in to stand out as a candidate.
Take the time to update your resume, cover letter, LinkedIn, and any other relevant platform. Ensure to read details provided by the organizers of the career fair, as you may have the option of uploading your resume to the platform. Be prepared to have multiple copies of your resume and/or CV for recruiters if they ask for any information on the spot. Check out our articles How to: Network at a Career Fair and YNCN’s Student Resume Guide for more information!
3. Dress to Impress
Unlike virtual career fairs where you can get away with casual bottoms that won’t be seen, appropriate business attire is crucial in making a good impression. Take the time to try different pieces on to ensure you have an outfit planned that is comfortable and professional, while still letting your personality shine. Professional attire does NOT include shorts, sweatpants, sneakers, or anything too revealing. Take the time to steam, iron, or wash any pieces beforehand.
ii) At the Career Fair
4. Read the Room
When joining a booth, there may be many people already surrounding the representative. Before introducing yourself, take a moment to see if there is already a conversation going on or any key information shared by the recruiters. Different companies may facilitate their career fair booths in different ways. While you wait for an appropriate time to introduce yourself, take mental notes based on what other students are asking to develop additional questions.
5. Introduce Yourself and Stand Out
It is time to showcase your personal pitch that you spent time preparing for! Be ready to have a conversation with the recruiter about the company and position(s) you are interested in. Keep in mind that the recruiter only knows the information you have shared in your personal pitch so make connections between your experiences and the role you are interested in. This is the time to ask the thoughtful questions you have drafted beforehand, learn more about the company, and confirm any important application details. Be aware of your body language throughout conversations as this is part of the image you are communicating to the recruiter.
6. Prep Mindset — Emotional Presence
Remember, your goal at this career fair is not to get hired right away, but create a first point of contact with these companies.
It can get really busy and distracting at a career fair; if you don’t make a meaningful connection with the recruiter, it’s going to be tough to be remembered. As much as possible, try and care about the people you’re talking to, listen to what they have to say, and speak genuinely about your interests. Too many people see networking as a purely transactional exchange and miss the opportunity to not only leave lasting impressions, but also to foster meaningful conversations.
iii) After the Career Fair
7. Follow Up
Follow up with recruiters you met to thank them for their time and further express your interest (via LinkedIn or email). Additionally, let the recruiter know if you are planning on submitting an application!
As recruiters meet many candidates during career fairs, make sure you include the highlights of your conversation so they have something specific to remember you. When sending connection requests on LinkedIn, consider including a note with the context of the career fair you attended to refresh their memory. Adding recruiters on LinkedIn is great for future opportunities and growing your network.
8. Track Your Applications
With many deadlines for different positions, it is difficult to keep track of all applications and next steps. We recommend setting up a tracker for yourself to organize all application deadlines and steps! This way all the research and deadlines you need to be aware of are organized in a central location.
Make the most of the time you spend preparing and attending the career fair!
Key Takeaways
Remember to…
- Invest in the preparation time
- Be yourself, breathe and be confident
- Show interest, be curious!
