How to Prepare

Update Your Resume

View our resume resources and/or schedule an appointment with a career coach to update your resume, both in Handshake and for hard copies to hand out at the fair. Plan to print 5-10 copies to share with employers at the fair. You can also use the booth check-in QR codes at the fair to share your resume with employers via Handshake.

Research Companies

Review the fair information in Handshake to see which employers are attending. Make a list of employers that interest you and conduct more research on those employers, their available positions, company culture, etc. via Handshake, their website, and other sites like Glassdoor, LinkedIn, Indeed, etc. Prepare a few questions to ask each employer at the fair.

Prepare an Elevator Pitch

An elevator pitch is a short spoken description that captures who you are, where you are in your career path, where you’re headed and how you’re unique. It needs to be short (two minutes max), smooth and practiced, clear and to the point. View our elevator pitch tips.

Dress for Success

Most experts agree that 80 percent of an employer’s opinion of a candidate is based solely on their first impression. Professional dress, positive body language, and a well-groomed appearance are important components of that first impression. Your attire is a visual representation of your professional brand. Choose an appropriate outfit that you are comfortable in, reflects your personality, and projects confidence.

Additional Resources