How to Prepare for a Career Fair

Before you dive into preparation, get the specifics of the career fair:

• Date, Time, and Location: Check the UC Career calendar page (add link) or Handshake for event details. Many UC career fairs, like the Business, Engineering are IT Career Fair are held at the Campus Recreation Center or in TUC Great Hall, but check for specific locations.
• Participating Employers: Review the list of employers attending via Handshake. Research companies that align with your major, interests, or career goals—whether you’re in DAAP, CEAS, Lindner, or another college.
• Format: Is it in-person or virtual? UC hosts both formats, so confirm the platform requirements (e.g., Handshake’s virtual fair tools) or venue.

Pro Tip: Research and register for career fairs in Handshake. Flag any events you may be interested in attending.

Your resume is your first impression—make it count.

• Tailor It: Customize your resume for each employer you plan to meet. Highlight relevant coursework, projects, or internships that align with their industry. For example, CEAS students might emphasize technical skills, while Lindner students could focus on business analytics or leadership experiences.
• Get Feedback: Visit UC’s Bearcat Promise Career Studio (in TUC 310) or book a resume review appointment on Handshake. Drop-in hours are available for quick critiques. (add link)
• Print Copies: For in-person fairs, bring 10-15 copies of your resume on professional paper. Use UC’s Print Center in TUC for high-quality prints.
• Digital Version: For virtual fairs, have a PDF version ready to upload or share via Handshake or email.

Pro Tip: Visit How to Write a Resume (add link) to ensure a clean, professional format.

Stand out by showing you’ve done your homework:

• Target Companies: Identify 5-10 employers that excite you. Check their websites, LinkedIn pages, and recent social media posts to learn about their mission, values, and open roles.
• Match Your Skills: Connect your experiences (e.g., co-op, research, or student org participation) to the company’s needs.
• Prepare Questions: Craft thoughtful questions like, “What skills do you value most in entry-level hires?” or “How does [Company Name] support professional growth?” Avoid generic questions you could answer with a quick Google search.

Pro Tip: Many employers host info sessions before fairs—attend these to get insider tips and make early connections.

Your elevator pitch is a 30-second introduction that highlights who you are and what you bring to the table:

• Structure It: Include your name, major, year, relevant experiences (e.g., co-op at P&G or research in UC’s 1819 Innovation Hub), and what you’re seeking (e.g., internship, full-time role).
• Practice: Rehearse until it feels natural but not robotic. Try practicing with a friend, career coach, or during a career workshop.
• Example: “Hi, I’m Alex, a junior mechanical engineering major at UC. I’ve completed two co-op rotations at GE Aviation, where I worked on turbine design projects. I’m passionate about aerospace innovation and am seeking a summer internship to further develop my skills in propulsion systems.”

Pro Tip: Record yourself practicing and review it to improve your tone and confidence.

First impressions matter, so dress appropriately:

• In-Person Fairs: Wear business professional attire (e.g., suit, dress pants, blazer, or dress). UC’s Professional Closet in the Bearcat Promise Career Studio offers free professional clothing for students—check it out.
• Virtual Fairs: Dress business casual (at least from the waist up) and ensure your background is clean and professional.
• Details Matter: Iron your clothes, wear deodorant, and minimize  and heavy fragrances.

Pro Tip: Not sure what to wear? Ask a career coach or check online style guides.

Maximize your time at the fair:

• Map It Out: For in-person fairs, review employers on Handshake to prioritize your top connections. For virtual fairs, schedule meetings with recruiters in advance.
• Bring Essentials: Carry a portfolio or folder with your resume, a pen, and a notepad for notes. For virtual fairs, ensure a stable internet connection and a quiet space.
• Set Goals: Aim to connect with at least 5-7 employers meaningfully rather than rushing through every booth.

Pro Tip: Start with a “warm-up” employer (one you’re less interested in) to build confidence before approaching your top choices.

Career fairs are all about building connections:

• Be Confident: Smile, maintain eye contact, and offer a firm handshake (for in-person fairs). For virtual fairs, use clear audio and look at the camera.
• Follow Up: Collect business cards or note recruiters’ names. Send a personalized thank-you email within 24 hours, referencing your conversation. For virtual fairs, follow up via Handshake or LinkedIn.
• Engage on social media: Many employers post about UC career fairs on social media. Follow them and engage with their content to stay on their radar.

Pro Tip: Use LinkedIn’s Alumni tool to connect with alumni who work at your target companies—they often attend career fairs.

UC offers tons of support to help you shine:

• Career Studio Workshops: Attend prep workshops like “Navigating the Career Fair” or “Mock Interviews” offered in-person or virtually by the Bearcat Promise Career Studio.
• Handshake: Use UC’s Handshake platform to register for the fair, book employer appointments, and access resources. 
• Co-op Advisors: If you’re in a co-op program, consult your advisor for industry-specific tips.
• Bearcat Promise Career Studio: Drop by this space in TUC 310 for peer-to-peer coaching and career fair prep tips.

The career fair is just the beginning:

• Track Interactions: Note who you spoke with, what you discussed, and any next steps (e.g., applying online, scheduling an interview).
• Apply Promptly: Many employers require you to submit an online application post-fair. Check their career pages and apply within 48 hours.
• Stay Organized: Use a spreadsheet or Handshake to track application deadlines and follow-up tasks.

Not every conversation will lead to an offer, and that’s okay. Each interaction is a chance to learn, refine your approach, and build your network. Stay confident, reflect on what went well, and keep engaging with employers through UC’s career events.

Final Bearcat Tip: Visit the Bearcat Promise Career Studio (TUC 310) for personalized support. You’ve got this, Bearcats—go make those connections and show employers why UC talent is the best.