Career Fair Prep

Learn about upcoming career and internship fairs on our events page.

Research Employers Before You Go

Many students are not prepared to speak with employers at career fairs, but you can impress employers and find opportunities by doing research about them beforehand. In advance of the fair, find the list of companies/organizations who will be attending. If necessary, at the fair, discretely look up the company on your phone before you introduce yourself so you can sound interested and informed. These conversations are a great way to learn more, make connections, and find opportunities!

Prepare for Employer/Recruiter Conversations

Develop a 15-second pitch (a brief, professional introduction) and know it well. It should highlight your key skills, abilities, and interests, as well as some benefits you can provide employers in your area of interest. Introduce yourself and try to make a connection with the employer. Welcome the recruiter to UMass Amherst. Show enthusiasm and have your resume ready. Be prepared to talk about your career interests, your academic and extracurricular experiences, and how they connect to the employer’s needs.

Bring Copies of Your Resume

There is no place to make copies at the fair, so bring plenty. Put them in a folder to keep them neat and organized. Need to work on your resume? Check out our resume guide and resume reviews.

Wear Appropriate Attire

First impressions are important. Dress well. An employer is more likely to take an interest if you are appropriately dressed in at least business casual clothing. If the event is geared towards more business-type environments, a suit is appropriate.

Develop a Fair Strategy

Typically career fairs are busiest during lunch hour, so come early. Walk the fair alone or with a friend, but not in a pack. Fairs close promptly at publicized ending times to accommodate employer travel arrangements, but some recruiters will leave early if they already have enough good candidates for their positions.

Don’t Start With Your First Employer Choice

If your schedule allows, you may find it easiest to start with the employers in which you're less interested. This will help you practice your introduction and ease any nervousness you may be feeling. Eavesdrop on other conversations if you can do so discreetly. You will then be more confident when you speak with your targeted employers. Also realize that you may have little time to spend at the fair and may need to wait in line to speak with recruiters.

Skip the Giveaways

If you want to be taken more seriously, go back later, after all of your important contacts have been made, and then ask for one of those flashing pens or cool T-shirts. You don’t want employers to think you are only attending the fair for the giveaways!

Take Notes and Follow Up

As your conversation winds down, inquire about potential opportunities, the application process, and perhaps other people you could reach out to at the company/organization. The representative at the fair may not be able to answer all your questions and may be able to suggest additional contacts. Note any relevant upcoming employer information sessions, on-campus interviews, and projected hiring deadlines. Ask for a business card, and within 24 hours send a short, professional thank you email.

Remember

Matching your skills to the employer’s needs, having done your research, asking interesting and relevant questions, and lots of enthusiasm are four key ingredients to a successful career fair!