Preparing for a Virtual Career Fair | The Career Center

Before the Virtual Fair

First Steps

Register for the career fair ahead of time and create a calendar reminder
Visit Handshake (or the website where the virtual career fair is being hosted) to research the companies you are interested in connecting with
Sign up for one-on-one and group employer sessions in advance of the date of the fair
Update your resume and have it reviewed at The Career Center
Upload your updated resume to Handshake (or other platform) so employers can easily access it before and during the fair
Prepare your introduction and elevator pitch
Prepare your business professional attire
Prepare questions for each employer
Check your internet connection and video applications beforehand

What to Expect

Remember that just because you’re a part of a virtual career fair doesn’t mean that the jobs available will be remote positions
The format of a virtual career fair varies based on the host, and how you will interact with employers depends on the setup. There may be group information sessions, one-on-one video sessions, or group/individual chats
One-on-one sessions with employers will typically be 10 minutes or less
Some employers may take the fair as an opportunity to screen and interview candidates

How to Approach Employers

Establish eye contact (look at your camera, not your computer screen), smile, and introduce yourself
Be confident and upbeat
Be ready to engage and have a conversation with the recruiter once you have been greeted
Relax and speak slowly
Articulate how your interests and qualifications are well-aligned with the organization's needs.

Virtual Fair Tips

Attend the fair in a distraction free, quiet, environment
Be prepared to confidently engage with the employer(s)
Show up to your sessions on time
Demonstrate professional body language and good posture
Speak clearly and showcase your professionalism
Have a digital copy of your resume and questions for each employer prepared
Ask for next steps and contact information
Take notes and re-group after an employer session
Type/Speak clearly and showcase your professionalism
Avoid slang and emojis when typing in the chat
When typing, type your chat responses in Word and then paste into the career fair chat box
Take notes about the conversation
Request contact information and ask about next steps
Smile and thank the recruiter to conclude

Following Up

Within 24 hours send a “Thank You” email to all employers you spoke with
Keep a spreadsheet of all contacts made with employers
Connect with the recruiter on LinkedIn
Within 7–10 days of the job fair, make follow-up contact with the representatives with whom you spoke about a possible interview