Prepare for the Fair

• Virtual Fairs via Handshake

  In order to have a successful virtual career fair experience, you will want to take a moment to familiarize yourself with the features of the Handshake platform. The Handshake virtual fair allows students to sign up in advance of the event for 10-minute 1:1s and 30-minute group sessions with registered organizations. Available slots and session type are pending how the organization set up their schedule, and are available on a first come, first serve basis. Here are 5-steps you need to prepare for the virtual fair! 

  1. Register in advance for sessions: You’re going to want to register beforehand via Handshake. Not only will this prevent any last-minute hiccups before the career fair, but it will allow you to get a glimpse at the employers participating in the fair.  Day-of sign-ups are possible, but some employer schedules may be full.
  2. What you need to know about 1:1 and Group sessions: 
     • 10-minutes moves very quickly in the 1:1 session and you will want to come prepared with your elevator pitch and some questions to make the most of your time. 
     • Students can only sign up with the same person in a 1:1 once, so if you miss it, you are not able to sign up with them again. However, you can meet with different representatives from the same organization. 
     • Group sessions are an opportunity for you to explore and are more informational in nature. Take advantage of these to learn more about an organization you’ve never heard of and take advantage of the opportunity to network. 
     • Handshake Group sessions with more than 15 participants automatically disable student audio and video to preserve session quality (providing a live presenter/s webinar with live chat experience)  
  3. Update your profile: Employers can set certain qualifications for 1:1 sessions. If your profile is not complete, you may not see all sessions available to you. To maximize opportunities, ensure your GPA is visible (uncheck "hide from employers" in your profile) and work authorization status is updated (in settings and privacy).  
  4.  Change your profile setting: Set your Handshake profile privacy to “Community” which allows you to schedule 1:1 and group sessions. This setting will allow you to attend both 1:1 and group sessions.  
  5. Update your resume and make visible: Resumes play a vital role in providing an opportunity for employers to access a student's professional experience. For this reason, update your most recent resume and make it visible on Handshake. You can do this by going to “Documents” and clicking “Visible” next to your resume.    

  Virtual Fair Resources 

  • Meet with a Career Counselor by setting up an appointment on Handshake  
  • Sign up for a 15-minute Drop-in Advising
  • Attend a Career Workshop  or review our workshop slides here
  • Gain Tips through these Online Handshake Resources 
    • Profile Privacy Settings in Handshake -  LINK  
    • Review Handshake's Student Guide to Attending a Virtual Fair - LINK 
    • Handshake's Video Requirements & Troubleshooting for Students - LINK 
    • Test your setup in advance -  https://networktest.twilio.com  
• In-Person Fairs

  Career or Graduate School Fairs are an opportunity to meet representatives, many of whom are alumni, who are interested in connecting with you about their opportunities. Treat this like a networking opportunity and an opportunity to expand your network, identify job and internship openings, and/or secure an interview. 
  Here are a few tips to help you prepare for the In-person Fair: 

  • Research the organization and opportunities before attending the fair. Mention your research as you ask questions. 
  • Dress professionally. Employers will make decisions based on professional appearance. Looking for professional attire? Visit the R’Professional Career Closet during open hours for 3 FREE professional attire items each quarter. 
  • Polish up your resume and print an appropriate amount of copies for the fair. 
  • Make a strong first impression. When meeting employers, introduce yourself, make eye contact, state your purpose, ask questions, listen and act professionally.  
  • Communicate your interest. State the type of position that interests you. Doing research in advance, such as job descriptions and open positions, can help develop targeted questions. 
  • Expand your focus. Approach employers that appear unrelated to your major. A technical company may have openings in human resources, marketing, public relations or accounting. Employers do look for candidates with a strong liberal arts background and internship experience. 
  • Highlight your strengths. Be prepared to discuss your qualifications that are most related to the job. Include clear, concise examples to demonstrate your qualifications. Practice your verbal presentation, or otherwise known as your “30-second elevator pitch”, so you can approach employers with confidence. 

  In-person Fair Resources

  • Meet with a Career Counselor by setting up an  appointment on Handshake 
  • Sign up for a 15-minute Drop-in Advising
  • Attend a Career Workshop  or review our workshop slides here
  • Gain Tips through our Online Resource Hub 
    • How to Make a Great First Impression at a Career Fair - LINK
    • Networking your Way to a Job - LINK     
    • Interview Skills -  LINK 
    • Salary Negotiation - LINK 
    • Resume – Everything you need to know -  LINK