Prepare for the Fair

Create or update your resume. Sure, impressive skills and qualifications make for quality resume content, but without an impressive format they become contrary. Don’t let your hard-earned skills go unnoticed and follow our resume tips in the link below! Visit the Advising & Career Center in Wyllie D175 to have your resume reviewed before the Internship & Career Fair.

Download the Resume Guide

Review the list of participating employers and the list of positions, which you can access using Handshake. Do your research. Find the company online, follow them on LinkedIn, and be sure to search for news articles and social media posts related to the organization for great conversation material.

Handshake Login

Create a compelling elevator pitch and practice it several times. Research commonly asked interview questions and write out your own answers. Generate specific questions that you want to ask. 

Download the Elevator Pitch Guide

Dress professionally to make a good first impression. Don’t have anything to wear? We have you covered, literally. Check out our Career Closet located in the Advising & Career Center, Wyllie D175. You can try on and keep any clothing to wear for the Internship & Career Fair or a job interview.

Challenge yourself to talk with more employers than you originally planned. Consider starting with one or two unplanned employers to warm up; you'll nail it when you talk to your top choice. 

Greet the representatives professionally. They might say to you, “So, tell us a little about yourself.” This is where you use your elevator speech to respond in an organized and professional manner. Remember… first impressions are everything!

Stop in the Student Resource room or elsewhere outside of the event for a breather. You can come and go... you don't have to stay in the event location for the full length of the event!

Ask for a business card and thank the recruiter by name when you are ready to move along. Offer a copy of your resume, but know that some employers will direct you to their website to apply.

Send or submit any information requested by the representative (references, transcripts, or other employment related documents) the same day or no later than the following day. If obtaining documents will stall you, let them know ahead of time.

Follow-up with a thank-you note by email or on LinkedIn. Try to make reference to something specific that you talked about, including anything interesting you learned. The goal here is to be authentic. 

Start practicing your interview skills and get ready for the next step.