How to make the most of a job fair (in person and virtual)
A job fair puts dozens of employers in one room, or one website, for a few hours. You will not usually get hired on the spot, but a good two-minute conversation can get your resume read by a person and lead to an interview. The difference comes from preparation and follow-up.
Where to find job fairs
- American Job Centers. The Department of Labor's network of about 2,300 centers offers job search help and referrals, and helps employers recruit, including through job fairs. Find yours with CareerOneStop's American Job Center Finder or by calling 1-877-872-5627.
- Your state workforce or labor department, which often lists hiring events.
- Colleges and community colleges; many fairs are open to alumni and the public.
- Professional associations, chambers of commerce and veterans' organizations.
- Large employers' own hiring days, announced on their careers pages.
Before the fair
- Get the employer list and choose 5–10 targets. Look at their open jobs and note one fact about each.
- Update your resume and print 15–20 copies on plain paper. If you are interested in two different kinds of job, bring a version of each.
- Prepare your 30-second introduction (template below) and practice it out loud until it sounds natural.
- Write two questions per target employer.
- Plan the day: arrive early, when recruiters are fresh and lines are short. Check parking, transit and whether you need to register.
- Dress one step above the jobs you are targeting: business casual is a safe default. Wear comfortable shoes; you will stand a lot.
- Bring a folder for resumes, a pen, a small notebook, your phone (charged) and a bottle of water.
Your 30-second introduction
Recruiters at busy fairs talk to hundreds of people. Make it easy for them to know who you are and where you would fit.
Template. "Hi, I'm [name]. I'm a [current role or student in field] with [number] years of experience in [skill area]. Most recently I [one specific achievement]. I saw you're hiring for [job title or type of role], and I'd like to learn more about it. What qualities are you looking for in that team?"
Example. "Hi, I'm Maria Lopez. I'm a grocery shift supervisor with four years of experience in scheduling, ordering and training. Last year I cut last-minute call-outs on my shifts by more than half. I saw you're hiring operations coordinators for your clinics, and I'd like to learn more. What does a typical week look like in that role?"
Ending with a question turns your pitch into a conversation.
At the fair
- Walk the room first to see where your targets are and which lines are short. Warm up with an employer lower on your list.
- Greet, introduce, ask. Make eye contact, give your introduction, and listen more than you speak.
- Offer your resume when it fits the conversation. Some employers will ask you to apply online instead; that is normal, so ask which job number to use and whether you can mention their name.
- Ask for a business card or the recruiter's name and email.
- Step aside and take notes right after each conversation: name, what you discussed, next steps.
- Be polite to everyone, including people staffing the entrance. Recruiters talk to each other.
Good questions to ask: "Which roles are you most focused on filling right now?", "What do your strongest new hires have in common?", "What is the next step after today?"
Virtual job fairs
Online fairs run on a platform with virtual booths, text chat, and sometimes video meetings or group sessions.
- Register early and complete your profile in full. Upload your resume in the format they ask for; recruiters often search profiles before and after the event.
- Test your setup: browser, camera, microphone and connection (see video interviews).
- Plan your schedule. Booths can have time slots and queues. Join your top targets first.
- Have your introduction ready as text as well, to paste into chat, then personalize it.
- Write in full, professional sentences in chat. No slang, no all caps.
- Keep a document open to take notes and save links, names and job numbers.
Follow up within two days
Most people never follow up, so a short email makes you stand out.
Subject: Great to meet you at the Columbus Career Fair – Maria Lopez
Hi Jordan,
Thank you for talking with me at the career fair on Tuesday about your operations coordinator openings. I enjoyed hearing about the new clinic opening next year, and I believe my experience scheduling a team of eight and managing vendor orders would be a good fit.
As you suggested, I applied online for job #4521 today. My resume is attached as well. I'd welcome the chance to talk further.
Best regards,
Maria Lopez · 555-0142
Then connect on LinkedIn with a one-line note reminding them where you met, and apply for any jobs they mentioned.
Mistakes to avoid
- Asking "So what does your company do?" Do the research first.
- Leading with pay and benefits questions.
- Handing out resumes without a conversation.
- Spending your whole visit in one long line.
- Paying anyone at a fair for a job, training or a "placement". Honest employers do not charge applicants; see job scams.
Job fairs work best as part of a wider plan; see networking and job search strategies.