Virtual Career Fair Prep

Attending a career fair? Learn about what to expect, what to do, and how to make the most out of a career fair either in person or virtually.

Key Takeaways

Career fairs are great opportunities for networking. Building your network is crucial, and you can benefit from meeting with professionals in your industry even if you are not applying for an internship or looking for jobs. Attending a career fair can help you with connections, confidence, and interviewing skills.
Update your résumé and make sure that it is tailored for the communications industry. You can attend the CDC’s Résumé & Cover Letter Seminar, schedule an appointment, visit us during drop-in hours, or send us an email.
Learn as much as you can about the companies participating. Learn about their mission, culture, and values; what they do; products and services; current projects; and locations.
Practice your elevator pitch. Be prepared to introduce yourself effectively by sharing who you are, your qualifications, and why you are interested in the company.
Dress professionally. Traditionally, males wear a suit or blazer, a long-sleeved button-down shirt, dress shoes, dress socks, and a belt. Females wear a formal skirt and top or a suit with closed heels. Accessories, such as earrings, necklaces, and bracelets, should not be distracting. If you don’t have professional clothes, please send us an email at nhcdc@syr.edu.

FAQ

Are employers able to see my résumé? Or should I send an email before our session?

Yes, employers can see your résumé via Handshake. You don’t need to contact the employer in advance to share the document. Make sure that you upload the latest version of your résumé. Make sure to update your Handshake account as well.

How do I introduce myself to an employer?

You need to craft your elevator pitch. A good pitch should be a clear, succinct, and convincing testament to how your experience, accomplishments, and skills make you an invaluable asset. It should also be creative, reflective of your personality (you don’t want to sound like you’re reading cue cards or just listing qualities), and short enough that you could get your points across if you only have a few floors to deliver it on an elevator. Learn more about crafting your elevator pitch here.

If you don’t have professional clothes, please send us an email at nhcdc@syr.edu.

In addition to my résumé, what should I bring with me?

If you are attending an in-person career fair, bring the following: your résumé, pen and paper, a list of the companies of your interest, and notes from your research. Once you enter the venue, you will get a document with the attendees and a map.

What questions should I ask an employer?

Ask questions that show that you have done your research and have a genuine interest.

The best questions to ask are those that come from your own research and after you spend some time learning about the company. You can ask about recent initiatives, current programs, or future plans. You can ask for details about internships or entry-level training programs. You can also ask about the interview process.

Avoid asking questions that can be easily answered or whose answers can be found on their website.

I joined a session, but the employer didn’t show up. What should I do?

If an employer does not attend a session, please email the Career Development Center at nhcdc@syr.edu with the following details:

Your full name.
The employer or company name.
The time and type of session (1:1 or group).

A career counselor will follow up with the employers and request that they contact you to schedule a meeting after the virtual career fair.

In the meantime, continue focusing on your upcoming sessions.

I signed up for a meeting with an employer and something came up. What should I do?

If you cannot attend your session, ensure that you cancel your participation in the individual session. After canceling, send a message to the employer.

Avoid the temptation to simply not show up. Employers can see your name and may be willing to meet with you at another time. Always behave professionally!

I am interested in meeting with an employer, but I have another meeting at the same time. How can I reach out to the employer?

You can use our resources to get the contact details of the employer, such as LinkedIn, CareerShift, and Handshake. After the virtual career fair, a career counselor will contact employers and ask them how you can reach out to them.

How can I follow up with an employer?

Make an effort to follow up with an employer. Get in the habit of collecting the names of recruiters, their titles, and their contact information. If the career fair is hosted in person, take good notes so you can send an email.