How to Prepare for a Career Fair: A Guide for CSUSB Business Students
- Cody Coyote
- Apr 8
- 4 min read
Attending a career fair can open doors of opportunity for CSUSB business students. Career fairs can help you meet employers, discover job openings, and network. However, many students feel intimidated, unprepared, or overwhelmed when they consider attending a career fair. Fortunately, in this guide we will discuss how you can prepare so you can confidently succeed at the next career fair.
What is the Purpose of a career fair?
Understanding the purpose of a career fair can help you better prepare. The purpose of a career fair is to learn about companies that interest you, make connections, and explore career paths. Employers seek qualified candidates who express enthusiasm for the company and the opportunities they offer. Students have the opportunity to:
Learn about employers
Discover internship and job opportunities
Network with professionals
Knowing the purpose of a career fair can get you in the right mindset.
Research Companies and Opportunities
Once you comprehend the fair's purpose, the next step is to research the companies that will be attending. Familiarizing yourself with these organizations will give you an edge when engaging with recruiters. Here's how to start:
After understanding the purpose of a career fair, familiarize yourself with companies scheduled to attend. Conducting research on companies that interest you will be helpful when interreacting with recruiters. The following are great ways to get started:
Create a List: Find out which companies will be attending and list the ones that most align with your goals and interests.
Visit Company Websites: Look up the official websites of the companies on your list and take note of the mission/vision statements, values, and recent news.
Explore Job Openings: Research job openings or internships offered by the companies on your list and explore the job description/requirements to analyze how they align with your skills and interests.
The information gathered will help you prepare for discussions and could spark a genuine interest that recruiters seek.
Prepare Your Elevator Pitch
An elevator pitch is a 30 second confident, concise, and engaging introduction of yourself. It is important to have an elevator pitch ready to maximize your short interaction with recruiters. Here are some tips on creating an effective elevator pitch:
Introduce Yourself: Start with your name, academic year (ex. Senior), and your major.
Emphasize Your Skills: Communicate skills or experiences relevant to the position or industry of interest.
Express Your Interest: Finish by stating what positions and opportunities interest you.
Strengthen and remember your elevator pitch by practicing in front of people you trust to receive valuable feedback.
Prepare Your Resume
Your resume is one of the most critical tools in your job search arsenal. Having a well-organized and professional resume will help you stand out among other candidates. Follow these tips to ensure your resume is ready:
Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume for the positions you’re targeting. Highlight relevant coursework, skills, and experiences. Customize your resume to target your company of interest and emphasize the qualifications they want.
Keep It Concise: Have a one page resume containing headings and bullet points that are easy to read.
Proofread: Avoid grammar and spelling mistakes by reviewing your resume and having a friend or family member do the same.
Bring Copies: There will be many employers and potential connections, so print lots of resume copies.
Dress Professionally
Make a good first impression. Dress professionally to show you take the opportunities seriously. The following are tips that will help you choose the right outfit:
Research the Dress Code: Most career fair dress codes require business or business casual attire.
Pay Attention to Details: Present a neat and clean appearance by being well groomed and wearing pressed clothes.
Choose Appropriate Footwear: Wear clean and comfortable dress shoes.
Follow Up After the Fair
Gather contact information so you can follow up with employers after the career fair and solidify professional connections.
Send Thank-You Emails: Within 24 - 48 hours, send a short thank-you email to each recruiter you spoke with. Mention any details that will help them remember you are reiterate your interest in the position.
Connect on LinkedIn: If you feel appropriate, connect with the professionals you met on LinkedIn. Personalize your connection request by reminding them of your meeting at the fair.
Continue Your Research: Continue monitoring the companies you're interested in to view new job openings and updates.
By following up, you keep the communication open and demonstrate your eagerness and professionalism.
Make the Most Out of Networking Opportunities
Career fairs are not just for finding jobs, they are also great opportunities to network with professionals and peers. Here's how you network efficiently:
Engage with Peers: Talk with fellow students to build connections and share job leads.
Practice Active Listening: Listen carefully to recruiters to maximize learning and make a good impression.
Track Connections: Make note of recruiters and important information that may be useful in the future.
By networking effectively, you could uncover hidden job opportunities and build relationships that extend beyond the career fair.
Your Opportunity Awaits
Preparing for a career fair can seem daunting, but with the right mindset and preparation, you can turn it into a successful event. From researching companies to perfecting your elevator pitch and following up after the fair, each step is crucial for making meaningful connections.
Embrace this opportunity, and remember that it's not just about finding a job—it's about exploring your future career. Keep an open mind, engage fully, and your efforts will pay off.
By following these steps, you’ll be well-prepared to make a lasting impression at the CSUSB business career fair. Good luck!
