Making the most of a job fair involves preparation before, during, and after the event. Before attending, one should register, research companies and positions, prepare a resume and elevator speech, and develop questions to ask employers. At the fair, one should have multiple resume copies, notes, a pen, and a strategy to approach top companies. Follow up after by sending thank you letters within 2-5 days to express continued interest.

1. Making the Most of a Job Fair

2. Here are some tips and
strategies to best prepare
for a job fair.

3. 3 Phases of a Job Fair
• Before
• During
• After

4. Before the Job Fair
•Register
•Research
•Resume
•Elevator
Speech
•Questions
•Job Fair Kit
•Attire
•Strategy

5. I. Registration
• Most job fairs require you to pre-register.
This ensures that you will receive all
materials related to the event.
• Registration can usually be done online.

6. II. Research Companies &
Positions
• Most events will post a list of participating
employers on a webpage 2-3 weeks prior
to the event.
• These lists are updated on a continuous
basis, so be sure to check it often.

7. Why Research Employers?
• Employers expect applicants to know about
their organization
• Knowing in-depth information about an
organization shows interest and initiative

8. Why Research Employers?
(Continued)
• Researching employers allows candidates to:
▫ Identify and eliminate potential employers
▫ Help decide if a particular industry is a good fit
▫ Help create polished application documents
(cover letter, resume, etc.)
▫ Prepare for an interview by allowing you to
customize questions to ask an employer and to
better prepare you to answer company-specific
questions.

9. III. Resume
• The job fair acts as an initial, pre-screening
interview. Therefore, you want to prepare a
professional resume to make available to
employers.
• A professional resume is needed even if you
are applying for internships.

10. IV. Elevator Speech
• Remember, first impressions count.
• In preparation for the event, create a 60
second advertisement, that will be used to
introduce yourself to potential employers.
• This advertisement should concisely state
your name, major, school, skills, interests
and strengths.

11. Example of an Elevator Speech
“Hello, my name is _______. I am currently a junior,
majoring in Criminal Justice at Bowie State
University. I like helping people…counseling,
advising and mentoring. I’ve been volunteering with
the local Boys and Girls club and I think I’d like to
work with adjudicated teens, preferably girls. I read
that your company has programs that help youth.
I’m interested in learning more.”

12. V. Questions
• Remember, this is a job fair so your time
with recruiters is short. Ask questions
that will yield the most important
information.

13. Sample Questions to Ask
• What qualities and characteristics are you
looking for in an applicant?
• What are common career paths within your
organization?
• What kind of projects are new employees
typically involved with?
• Do you offer an internship program? If so,
how do I find out more information?

14. VI. Job Fair Kit
• Before the job fair you will want to prepare
your job fair kit.
• A job fair kit contains:
▫ Multiple resumes printed on quality paper
▫ Paper on which to write notes (a portfolio of
some type is suggested)
▫ A pen

15. VII. Strategy
• In order to make the best use of your time
at a job fair, it is best to prepare a strategy.
• Your strategy should include:
▫ Time of arrival. The earlier the better as some
recruiters leave before the fair is over.
▫ The names of companies that you wish to talk to
first.
▫ The names of companies that you will talk to
provided you have enough time.

16. VIII. Attire
• Dress the same as you would for a job interview.
• Consider this a preliminary interview.
• You will only have a few minutes to make an
impression as a job candidate. That’s why it’s
always important to dress professionally for a job
fair.
• Positive first impressions are critical!

17. Day of the Job Fair
• While you have multiple copies of your
resume in hand, you’ve outlined your
strategy, and you’re dressed in a
professional manner, there are still a few
things to consider the day of the fair.

18. Day of the Job Fair
• Turn off all cellular devices and electronics.
• Identify the location of the recruiters you
want to meet with first. Typically a floor
plan or chart is provided to all attendees.

19. Presentation
• Approach employers with confidence.
• Make eye contact and shake hands.
• Present your resume.
• Recite your elevator speech.
• Ask your top four questions.
• Ask for company materials and business
cards.
• Thank recruiters for their time.

20. After the Job Fair
• Send follow-up letters to organizations
expressing your interest in the company
and position.
• If necessary, include an updated resume.
• Thank you letters should be received by
the employer within 2-5 days after the
event.