What to Bring to a Job Fair

Job fairs are a convenient way to discover new job opportunities and connect with recruiters in one place, especially if you’re a recent college graduate or looking for an entry-level role.

Thorough preparation is key to job fair success. Bring these items to your next fair so you’re ready to impress employers:

1. A shortlist of companies

Research participating companies beforehand to improve your chances of landing a job. Make a list of the businesses you’re curious about, along with some background information on them.

Preparing thoroughly in advance will ensure you visit the right booths and help you answer questions from recruiters.

If you can’t answer common interview questions like “why should we hire you?” or explain why you’d like to work for the company, recruiters will assume you lack passion for the job.

2. Multiple copies of your resume

Bring five more copies of your resume than you think you’ll need.

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A couple of copies might get lost, or you might end up being drawn to companies that weren’t on your original list. Being over-prepared is better than telling a recruiter that while you’re interested in their business, you ran out of resumes. It’s not uncommon to apply for jobs on the spot, so bring a list of professional references as well.

If you’re applying for different kinds of positions, either write a general resume like the one below or write several resumes targeted at each role you’re interested in.

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3. A notebook or a phone

After a long day of speaking to hiring managers and recruiters, remembering names and contact details off the top of your head will be difficult.

Bring a notebook or use your phone to take notes and avoid forgetting important information related to job applications and networking opportunities. Just remember to set your phone to silent so it doesn’t interrupt you when talking to a potential employer.

4. A list of questions to ask recruiters

Knowing what questions to ask in an interview at a job fair is necessary to be able to gather the information you need, and to make a good first impression on employers.

While a five-minute job fair interview in a busy environment isn’t much time to judge someone’s professional qualities, recruiters at these events are skilled at quickly evaluating candidates.

Job seekers who ask relevant, thoughtful questions demonstrate both research skills and attention to detail. They also appear more organized than attendees who ask superficial questions that could be easily answered by a quick Google search.

@resumegenius Asking questions at job fairs and your #interview shows recruiters that you are invested & interested in the role! ?✅ Learn more about the #company and get a feel of what things would be like if you landed the job! ? #interviewtips #interviewquestions #careeradvice #jobsearch #jobfair ♬ Morning with U – Tollan Kim

5. Your portfolio

Recruiters at job fairs interact with dozens of applicants in a single day. Leave a lasting impression, bring a portfolio of your best work to show them.

Depending on your industry, bring either a physical copy or add a link to your digital portfolio on your resume so recruiters can look it up if they want to see examples of your work.

6. Business cards

If you have them, bring a stack of business cards with you to the job fair. They’re a quick way to share your contact information with prospective employers, and they make you appear professional.

With so many career-oriented individuals around, you’re bound to connect with others within your industry who could prove to become important connections in the future. Exchanging business cards helps you stay in touch.

7. A change of clothes

The last thing you want to worry about while approaching businesses at a career fair is a coffee stain on your shirt. While recruiters understand that accidents happen, looking less than presentable could take a toll on your confidence. Pack a change of business casual clothes to avoid embarrassing moments.

Job fair checklist

Use this checklist to ensure you pack everything important:

Tips for preparing for a job fair

Follow these tips for a successful career fair:

Practice your elevator pitch

Prepare a compelling introduction that quickly gives recruiters an overview of your professional background, or your academic history if you’re a recent college graduate. In just 30 to 60 seconds, it should succinctly highlight your most relevant skills, qualifications, and career goals.

Practice delivering it with confidence and enthusiasm, ensuring that it flows naturally. An effective elevator pitch will help you peak recruiters’ curiosity and is the first step to securing an interview invitation.

Plan your day

Job fairs can be overwhelming. If you have a long list of companies to visit, the key to success is planning your day ahead of time to avoid running out of steam before you get to your top choices.

Make a rough schedule and plan to visit companies you’re genuinely interested in early in the day to ensure recruiters see your best side. Save your second and third choices for later.

Keep an open mind

Even if you’ve done lots of research on participating companies and have a clear game plan for the fair, remind yourself not to close any doors.

You never know – a company that didn’t spark your interest previously can turn out to be a perfect match once you speak with its representatives. Keeping an open mind prevents you from missing out on potential career opportunities.

Frequently asked questions about job fairs

Here are a few answers to some frequently asked questions about job fairs:

How do job fairs work?

At a job fair, job seekers meet with numerous employers in different industries, streamlining the job search process.

Attendees can introduce themselves, submit resumes, and ask questions to learn more about potential employment opportunities. It’s a chance for face-to-face networking and a fast-track way to explore a wide range of career prospects in one place.

These types of hiring events are typically organized by universities, professional associations, or community organizations.

What happens at a job fair?

Attendees visit booths of various employers to receive more information about their business, connect with recruiters, gather information about job openings, and even participate in on-the-spot interviews.

How many resumes should I bring to a job fair?

You should bring as many resumes as the number of companies you plan on visiting, plus a few additional copies for back-up. About five extra copies should be enough in case you lose one or two or end up visiting more company booths than you originally planned.

How do you stand out at a job fair?

To get noticed by recruiters, make sure you:

• Dress professionally
• Network actively
• Prepare well-researched, thoughtful questions
• Follow up with recruiters after the career fair

Do I need a cover letter for a job fair?

While you don’t need to bring a cover letter to a job fair, writing a general cover letter to accompany your resume is a good idea. Not only does it show potential employers that you’re ready to go the extra mile, it’s also an opportunity to showcase more of your abilities.