Attending a career fair is a great idea for all CBS students, from your first year to your senior year. We know that taking the step of going to a career fair can be daunting, but you aren’t alone! The CBS career readiness team will be present at each fair to help you navigate your options, build confidence, and make the most of your experience.
Why attend?
- Explore different fields and discover positions, companies, and career opportunities.
- Develop a network of contacts.
- Gain experience interacting in a professional environment.
- Find out what skills, experiences, and qualities employers seek in applicants.
- Meet potential contacts for informational interviews.
- Get noticed by companies.
What to wear
Determining what to wear can be complex, but we are here to help! Generally, information shared prior to the fair will help you understand what level of dress will be most appropriate for the event. Let’s define what levels of dress mean, so you can interpret for each event.
- Business professional: Blazers, pants, or skirt suits are preferred. Slacks and a quality button-down shirt or nice sweater would also be appropriate.
- Business casual: Khaki style/less formal pants and skirts are appropriate. Short-sleeve button-down or polo shirts are also acceptable.
- Casual: T-shirt, shorts, and jeans are acceptable. Wearing scrubs or other profession-specific clothing is acceptable as well.
At a career fair type event, it is never possible to overdress. If you are more comfortable in a suit, even if that is not required or recommended for the fair, you can still wear it!
Networking tips
- Approximately 70% of jobs are found through networking. The majority of employers at career fairs plan to follow up with 5-10 candidates.
- Consider "warming up" with organizations that are lower on your priority list before approaching your top choices.
- Be polite, honest, and enthusiastic. Speak slowly, clearly, and concretely. Most importantly, relax and be yourself!
Before the fair
- Research 5-10 employers in advance (use Handshake and the company websites) so that when you approach them you are able to articulate why you are interested in their organization and can ask specific questions.
- Prepare your elevator pitch to introduce yourself in 30 seconds. Be ready to answer some basic questions about yourself and why you are interested in the company and positions.
- Gather your portfolio documents. Update and print 10+ copies of your resume and prepare a folder/portfolio with a pen, pad of paper, list of companies and positions, and questions to ask.
Parts of an elevator pitch
- Present: Introduce your name, major, and year in school.
- Past: Share something you have done related to the position and a relevant skill that you have developed.
- Future: Share what interests you about the position, company, or your general career interests.
- Ask: Ask a question about the position, department, or company.
Example: My name is Tracy and I am a junior majoring in Biology in the College of Biological Sciences. This semester I have been part of the research team in a lab studying the xyz. I read on your company website that you produce plasmid DNA, proteins, and enzymes. Can you tell me more about the processes used for production?
During the fair
- Arrive early and familiarize yourself with the floor plan.
- Approach employers with a firm handshake, eye contact, a smile, and an introduction.
- Offer your resume to the employer and tell them about yourself.
- Ask employers about their hiring process and how you can be considered for opportunities.
- Request a business card and their preferred method of follow up before leaving. Thank them for their time!
- Take notes in between each employers so you can personalize your follow up communication.
After the fair
- Reflect upon what you did well at the career fair and what you can improve on for next time.
- Send a thank you to the employers you spoke with within 48 hours. Check out this example of a thank you note.
- Consider connecting with the recruiter or following the company on LinkedIn.
- Apply for any positions that you are interested in that you learned about from the career fair.
- Prepare for interviews by scheduling a practice/mock interview with a CBS career coach.
Career fair support and resources
We are here to support you as you prepare for career fairs! Schedule an appointment with a CBS career coach for help with your resume, elevator pitch, or general career fair preparation.