Career Fair Prep Guide
Career Fair Checklist
Before the Fair
Research the companies in Handshake in which you are interested so you can tailor your professional pitch to them and ask relevant questions.
Visit with a Career Counselor to proofread your resume for grammar, spelling, etc. and print at least 10-15 copies on resume paper. Draft your 30-second pitch and practice it beforehand. Dress appropriately! Business professional is always a safe choice.
During the Fair
Approach the employers with confidence and a firm handshake, make eye contact, and smile.
Ask questions about their career opportunities, including next steps in the hiring process and take note of application deadlines.
Be aware that employers have a limited amount of time and ask for their email to follow up.
Make notes to remember information for your follow-up email. Talk with a variety of companies even if they don’t have immediate openings in your field.
After the Fair
Follow-up within 24 hours with a personalized thank you note by email. Make an appointment with your counselor to discuss your job fair experience, draft a thank-you note, and/or share your questions or concerns.
Additional Notes
What to Bring
Printed copies of your resume on resume paper
Need it printed? Stop by the Career Center!
A notebook or notepad
One or two writing utensils
Business cards, if applicable
A folder or bag to hold your professional materials
What to Wear
Blazers
Polos
Button-up top
Slacks and trousers
Knee-length skirts and dresses
Dress shoes
Ties
Simple patterns
Neutral colors
Suits
Other Tips
What Not to Wear
Jeans or shorts
Crop tops
Graphic tees
Sandals or casual sneakers
Anything distressed
Low-cut tops
Short skirts or dresses
Sweatshirts and sweatpants
Clunky jewelry
Flashy watches
Try on your intended outfit in advance
View the Career Fair guide to map out your experience and learn more about the employers and their potential openings
Don’t be afraid to network with other student attendees!
30-Second Pitch Guidelines
What is a 30-second pitch?
A 30-second pitch is a clear and brief message that communicates to employers who you are, what you’re looking for, and how you can benefit their company or organization.
What should I include?
Your Name, Major, and School Year
Your Relevant Experience and the Applicable Skills You’ve Gained from that Experience
Your Areas of Interest
A Closing Statement Expressing Interest and/or Curiosity in the Company
How can I practice it?
Write it out first
Stand in front of your mirror and recite it to yourself
Time yourself reading it - make sure it’s less than 1 minute!
Take turns practicing with your friends
Make an appointment with a Career Counselor on Handshake
30-Second Pitch Samples
Hello! My name is Justine Lopez, and I’m a senior at Fordham majoring in Political Science. I’m interested in a career in government and recently completed an internship with the Mayor’s Office. I have exceptional communication, interpersonal, and administrative skills. I thrive working both independently and as part of a team. I’ve heard about your training programs and would like to know more about the experiences you provide for interns.
Hello! My name is Matthew Johnson, and I am a junior at Fordham pursuing a degree in Mathematics. I’ve had experience as a Financial Services intern overseas and have an excellent academic record. I’m a person who adapts well to new situations, as evidenced by my choice to intern abroad, and I have a very strong work ethic. I’m committed to further developing my career in Finance and would love to hear more about the internship opportunities available at your company.
Hello! My name is Harry Jones, and I’m a freshman at Fordham University majoring in Biology. I’ve spent the past two summers working in a doctor’s office and now want to focus on an internship in research. I noticed that most of your internships require strong analytical and organizational skills, two areas in which I excel. Could you tell me more about your research opportunities and the best way to pursue an internship at your company?
Hello! My name is Ashley Miller, and I’m a sophomore at Fordham University. I’m very interested in a career in Engineering. I’ve had the opportunity to complete a number of projects in my coursework, including one where I led a team in designing and implementing a campaign for a new student group. As a result of our campaign, their membership increased by 65% in just two weeks. I’ve heard about the quality experience Communications interns gain at your company, and would like to know what opportunities are available with you now.
Questions to Ask Employers
How do you think you’d characterize the colleagues that you work with at [X]?
I’d love to hear about a project you’re working on at [X] that you’re most excited about now. What do you think the most successful candidates at [X] share in terms of their previous skills and knowledge?
What’s some advice that you wish you could have given yourself before applying to work at [X]?
I noticed on your client's page that you work with everyone from [X to Y]. What would you say is common across different client experiences, and what’s similar in your organization’s approach?
It’s so great to see [X] recruiting at Barnard, and I’m curious to hear about your personal experiences connecting with and learning from women mentors at your organization. Do you mind if I get a business card or your email address so I can stay in touch? I’d love to send you a follow-up.
Researching Employers
Having a bit of background knowledge before you speak to an employer is essential for success!
Every employer attending will have a Handshake profile, including:
A brief description of the company
Link to the organization's website
Select current job and internship openings
Visit employers’ websites:
“About” pages - learn about values, mission, and their approach to work
“Projects” and “Clients” pages - discover the work the organization is currently doing
Current job and internship openings Research on LinkedIn:
Biographical information about their staff (like alums)
Recent news and announcements
Frequently Asked Questions
I don’t see any companies that I recognize or want to work at. Why should I attend?
Career Fairs are an opportunity to network and learn about potentially unexpected possibilities for your career through conversations that go beyond the scope of specific job and internship opportunities. Not every company will have the bandwidth to be able to attend a career fair, but every organization that’s attending a fair has a strong interest in getting to know you and helping you discover future opportunities.
Why are there no companies in an industry that is interesting to me?
Our goal is to host a balanced event that represents a broad range of interests, including those that are not always prominent at traditional career fairs. Career fairs traditionally favor organizations with recruiting workforces and a budget that makes campus visits possible. For some industries, campus visits are simply not part of the standard recruiting process. With this being said, it’s very likely that many of the employers, alumni, and peers in attendance share your interests, questions, and commitments. We invite you to join us and spend time asking questions to learn, network, and set yourself up for success beyond the fair.
How can I make sure my resume is ready?
The Career Center proudly hosts a number of workshops specifically tailored to resumes and industry-specific professional development. You can check out our events calendar to learn about what’s coming up! You can also make an appointment with a career counselor on Handshake at any time, or stop by to get your resume printed for $0.25 (per 10 copies).
Career Fair Prep Videos
General Career Fair Tips
How to Research Employers
What to Wear to the Career Fair
What NOT to Wear to the Career Fair
Quick Tips from Resume Rex
Career Fair Advice from Employers
Ask an Employer: Career Fair Prep