All-Majors Career Fair Prep Checklist (Adobe PDF file)
The Four Key Areas to Focus On
1. Polish Your Resume
- Make sure it’s updated and error-free.
- Need help? Check out our resume resources HERE
2. Research Companies
- Know who’s attending and what roles they offer.
- Identify your top targets and learn about their mission, values, and recent projects.
3. Craft Your Introduction
- Prepare a short, confident introduction that highlights your background and interests.
- Practice until it feels natural!
4. Dress to Impress
- Professional attire matters!
- Borrow business clothes for FREE from Campus Closet.
Be Ready to Share
Recruiters appreciate students who can introduce themselves clearly and confidently. Your goal is to connect authentically and start meaningful conversations.
Include:
- Who you are (name, major, class year)
- What you’ve done (classes, skills, involvement, internships, part-time work)
- What excites you (career interests, next steps)
- End with a question to keep the conversation going
- And don’t forget to smile!
Example Intro:
“Hello, I’m Laura Triana. I’m a first-year Business Administration student with a minor in French. Outside of school, I work part-time at Ace Hardware assisting customers and managing inventory. I also oversee communications for the French Club, which strengthened my written communication skills. These experiences confirmed my interest in marketing, and I noticed your Brand Marketing Internship at Newell Rubbermaid. Could you share what qualities you look for in candidates for this role?”
Pro Tips:
- Show curiosity about the other person.
- DO NOT write a paragraph — use bullet points and practice out loud (mirror or video).
Ask Smart Questions
Thoughtful questions make you stand out! Use this formula: Statement of research + Specific question
Examples:
- “I saw on CareerBuzz you’re hiring for ___ and seeking ___ skills. Could you share what other qualities you value?”
- “Your company mission about ___ really resonated with me. How does this role contribute to those goals?”
- “I reviewed your job board but wasn’t sure which roles fit my major. Could you tell me more about opportunities for someone with my background?”
General Questions:
- What’s your experience working at [Company Name]?
- Which areas of your company are growing most right now?
- What skills do you value most in candidates?
Follow Up
- Collect names, titles, and contact info (business cards).
- Send a thank-you email within 24 hours:
- Reference your conversation.
- Reaffirm your interest and fit.
- End with goodwill: “Hope to hear from you soon.”
- Connect on LinkedIn with a short note thanking them and mentioning what you appreciated.
