Do Your Research
Before attending the event, review the list of employers and open positions they plan to showcase. Make note of companies and roles that interest you.
Visit company websites and research key products/services, initiatives, culture and ideal applicants. This enables you to engage meaningfully with recruiters.
Map Out Your Schedule
Once you’ve identified your target employers, map out an itinerary for visiting their booths. Cluster them by location on the floor plan. Factor in wait times and travel between booths.
Having a schedule prevents aimlessly wandering and ensures you touch base with all priority companies. Allow some flexibility too.
Polish Your Resume
Since most job fairs involve resume drops and on-site interviews, update your resume beforehand. Make sure it is free of errors and highlights relevant skills and experience tailored to the employers attending.
Bring printed resume copies in professional folders, along with your schedule and other job fair materials. Digital copies on a tablet or flash drive can also be handy.
Practice Your Introduction
Your brief self-introduction, or “elevator pitch,” needs to impress recruiters in 30 seconds or less. Practice summarizing your background, skills and career interests articulately and confidently.
Time yourself to ensure your intro fits within 30 seconds. Refine and memorize your pitch.
Dress Professionally
While company attire varies, it’s best to dress professionally in business formal or business casual to make a strong impression. Avoid loud colors or distracting accessories.
Neat grooming and professional details like polished shoes convey you’re detail-oriented and serious about roles.
Arrive Early
Give yourself extra time to arrive early, preferably right when the fair opens. This allows you to network without crowds and take advantage of fresh, unhurried recruiters.
You can also observe the venue layout and snap photos of interesting booths or materials to reference later.
Bring Plenty of Supplies
In addition to resumes, bring note pads, pens, breath mints and portable phone chargers. Having your own supplies shows preparedness.
You may also want to carry a professional portfolio, tablet or laptop if allowed for quick online research. Bottled water keeps you energized in long queues.
Focus On Quality Conversations
Resist the urge to collect as much free swag and as many business cards as possible. Prioritize making meaningful connections with recruiters from your target companies.
Ask insightful questions that demonstrate knowledge of the organization and role. Show genuine interest in the opportunities discussed.
Have Your Elevator Pitch Ready
When approaching recruiters, be prepared to deliver your concise yet compelling introduction summarizing your qualifications and interests.
Make it conversational and natural, not robotic. Let them know you researched the company. Offer a copy of your resume and any relevant work samples. Collect their business card to follow up.
Ask Engaging Questions
Making the most of your short recruiter interactions requires asking smart, engaging questions.
Inquire about growth plans, current initiatives, corporate culture, qualities they seek in candidates, timeline for hiring and best ways to follow up. Listen closely to their responses.
Collect Company Materials
While chatting with recruiters, ask for or collect any available company literature like brochures and flyers. Review them to gain additional insights you can reference in thank you notes or future interviews.
Take photos of booth displays you find interesting as added visual memory aids.
Take Notes
Jot down brief notes after each recruiter chat, including topics discussed, pending items and next steps promised. This helps you customize follow ups.
Note what made each organization and opportunity exciting to fuel creative thank you’s. Submit outstanding follow ups promptly.
Follow Up Promptly
Send brief, warm thank you emails to recruiters you met, ideally within 24 hours. Express your appreciation for their time, reiterate your interest and add any forgotten details. Include the promise of a resume or work sample if offered.
Follow up on recruiter requests like scheduling later interviews. This shows initiative.
Avoid Desperation
While showing enthusiasm is welcome, avoid sounding desperate for any job. Let your qualifications and fit speak for themselves. Connect thoughtfully with each company based on your research.
Playing hard to get can prompt recruiters to sell you on roles and offers. Maintain professional decorum throughout all interactions.
Have an Open Mind
Rather than fixing on one perfect role, keep an open mind about various opportunities presented and how they align with your skills and goals.
You may discover exciting new career paths by engaging with a range of exhibitors. Apply to additional openings beyond your initial targets.
Learn From Each Interaction
Notice what pitches and questions generate engaged recruiter responses so you can refine your approach. If you don’t feel a booth chat went well, assess why and improve for the next one.
Treat the fair like a practice ground for networking and interviews. The experience makes future opportunities easier.
Exchange Contact Details
Before wrapping up with recruiters, offer your business card and get their contact information, including name, title, email and phone number. Ask the best method and timeline for following up on applications.
This enables further communication after the event. Personal contacts at target companies are invaluable.
Debrief After the Fair
While experiences are fresh, review notes and brainstorm ideas for follow up messages. Identify employers you want to continue conversing with and next actions for each.
Update your resume or work samples based on areas recruiters emphasized. Reflect on lessons learned for honing your presentation.
Attending job fairs and expos prepared with a strategy, polished materials and engaging interpersonal skills can significantly advance your job search and expand your network. Follow these tips to ensure you make the most of these dynamic events.