Advice For Career Fair Success
Review our tips and eLearning on how to connect successfully with employers at Career Fairs.
Virtual Career Fair Tips on Handshake Heading link
Virtual Career Fair Tips on Handshake
Check out these resources prior to the Virtual Career Fairs to help you make the most of your Virtual Career Fair experience.
Define a Strategy for Before, During, and After the Fair Heading link
Winging it is not an effective approach when attending a job fair. It is important to have a strategy and a preparation plan for before, during, and after the job fair. Get concise tips and advice by taking Career Readiness eLearning Modules (on demand, free, less than 15 minutes) and/or review the Navigating a Career Fair job aid to get started.
Career Readiness eLearning Modules
Noteonlearning Heading link
Note: Career Readiness eLearning modules are available to current UIC students on Blackboard.
Navigating a Job Fair Job Aid
Create and bring a professional resume Heading link
Create and bring a professional resume
- Make an appointment with a Career Advisor who can review your resume in advance to make sure it showcases your strengths.
- Bring plenty of resumes with you to the Fairs.
Career Fair Attire: Dress to Impress
- It is important to dress appropriately for Career Fairs because first impressions count. The suggested dress code is business attire.
Tips on What to Wear to an Interview PDF
Research Employers Thoroughly Heading link
Research Employers Thoroughly
- The most important thing you can do to make a positive impression on a recruiter is to ask specific questions about the employer. It important to show that you have researched the employer and have a genuine interest in what they do.
- Also, check our website for a list of employers that will be at the fair. UIC Library also offers free resources to UIC students to learn about employers and industries.
UIC Library Resources – Researching Employers
Make a List of the Companies You Are Most Interested in Heading link
Make a List of the Companies You Are Most Interested in
- You should prioritize a list of employers in which you are most interested and seek out those employers at the Fair.
- Be prepared that there will likely be long lines for the most popular employers, but DO NOT talk or text on your cell phone while you are waiting in line.
Use Your Time Wisely
- Be prepared to offer a 30-60 second “commercial” about yourself and highlight your skills, projects, and courses. Also, explain what type of position you are seeking.
- Remember to ask relevant questions and ask for their business card. If no business card is available, make sure to write down their full name, and use the company website to obtain contact details.
Follow Up
- Send a brief e-mail or thank you note within 24-48 hours to those employers that interest you most.