5 Ways To Stand Out At A Career Fair

What has your experience at a career fair looked like?

Maybe you walked into a conference hall lined with booths and immediately felt intimidated by the recruiters waiting for what you feel is a spontaneous interview. Maybe you've only participated in a virtual career fair where you scheduled a quick chat with a recruiter, and you felt that your opportunity to seal the deal was here and gone rather quickly. Or maybe you haven't taken advantage of the enormous resource a career fair can be in your job search.

Attending a career fair (virtual or in-person!) can be a great strategy to move you forward in your job search, especially if you're changing careers or have an unconventional work history. Here are some tips to make the most of the opportunity to have direct conversations with representatives of companies that are currently hiring and that may have already piqued your interest.

1 | Prepare For The Career Fair

In order to set the right intentions, you'll want to do some research and planning.

Know who the participating companies are. By knowing your audience, their mission, values, services, and available job openings, you can gauge whether it aligns with your own values and goals. Note down the positions, qualifications, and requirements so you can tailor your conversation and resume to match your skills to each company of interest's needs.

Prepare questions in advance. After doing company research, create a list of questions to ask recruiters and other company representatives. Tailoring your questions to each company will also demonstrate that you have a genuine interest in working with the company and the positions they have open.

Remind yourself that practice makes perfect. Rehearse your elevator pitch, responses to potential interview questions, and your questions for recruiters. Practice with a friend or family member to boost your confidence and get some constructive feedback before you go.

Bring the essentials. Since you've done research about the job openings that interest you, print and bring copies of your tailored resume for those particular opportunities. Keep them in a folder or portfolio to keep them neat and clean.

2 | Craft A Great Elevator Pitch

Preparing an elevator pitch will not only help you create a strong impression on future employers and hiring managers but minimize your nerves about introducing yourself to others. Your elevator pitch is your tool to create a compelling and memorable introduction that:

1. Introduces yourself and your background (the relevant details only!)
2. Highlights your unique values, skills, and achievements
3. Mentions your career aspirations
4. Expresses your enthusiasm for the company when you factor in specific details about the company, and
5. Closes with how to connect with you later

Rehearse your elevator pitch so you can confidently and naturally articulate each point. Remember to keep your elevator pitch concise, typically within 30 to 60 seconds. It's totally doable!

3 | Make A Move With Confidence

Most importantly before engaging, show yourself some self-compassion and grace. It is okay to be nervous and overwhelmed! Remember, recruiters are there to meet job-seeking candidates like you. They want to hear from you!

Start with a smile and shake their hands firmly as you introduce yourself. Show active listening by addressing them by name and showcasing your knowledge of the company whenever it is appropriate. Engage recruiters by asking open-ended questions about their experiences at the company, their roles, and the company's culture. This will encourage them to share more, giving you a chance to listen actively.

Take breaks. This is a marathon, not a race! Don't hesitate to step aside if you need to regroup and recharge. Find a quiet corner to collect your thoughts. Or participate in workshops and presentations. It'll feel less intimidating than initiating a 1:1 conversation in this type of structured environment. It'll allow you to learn more about the company and recruiters as well.

Get instant access to recruiters and HR representatives for companies who are currently hiring with this step-by-step Job Fair Networking Plan…

4 | Focus On Quality Over Quantity When Networking

When you're at a career fair and there are recruiters left and right, remind yourself that this is about creating genuine connections rather than meeting as many recruiters as you can. With the right conversation starters, you can quickly build rapport and leave a positive impression on recruiters. Consider incorporating these questions into your conversations.

Ask About Their Role and Experience

• "Could you tell me about your role at [Company Name] and what you enjoy most about working there?"
• "How long have you been with [Company Name]? What initially attracted you to the organization?"

Inquire About Company Culture

• "I'm really interested in the culture at [Company Name]. Can you share some key aspects that make it a great place to work?"
• "What sets your company apart from others in terms of company culture and employee support?"

Ask For Advice

• "As someone experienced in the industry, what advice would you give to someone like me who is just starting their career?"
• "I'm interested in [Specific Role], and I would appreciate any tips or insights you could offer to succeed in that position."

5 | Follow Up To Strengthen New Connections

After the career fair, show initiative and follow up with the recruiters you met and connected with. You can send LinkedIn requests with personalized messages or thank you emails that express gratitude for their time and insight. This will reinforce your interest and drive to be part of the company. Here are a few additional ways to stand out after the career fair has closed.

• Follow Company Social Media: This is a quick and easy way to show your continued interest in the company. Follow their social media account and engage with their posts by liking, commenting, and sharing relevant content.
• Attend Company Webinars or Events: If the company is hosting webinars, virtual events, or workshops, try to not only attend but also participate. This will show that you're taking the initiative to learn about the company and to be an engaged participant.
• Network With Employees: If you've connected with any employees of the company on LinkedIn or through the career fair, consider reaching out to them to ask for informational interviews or to learn more about their experiences working for the company.

Attending a career fair can feel like you're competing for attention. It can be uncomfortable, and frustrating if you are struggling to set yourself apart. The key to standing out at a career fair is to be yourself and create genuine, meaningful connections. By preparing and following up, you can demonstrate your value as a potential hire to these recruiters and increase your chances of moving forward in the hiring process.