Unlock the benefits of career fairs
Are you looking for a job or internship? Do you want to expand your professional network? Career Services hosts career fairs each semester to connect students with potential employers hiring for various positions. Even if you are not actively job searching, career fairs are a great way to learn about different opportunities, stay updated on industry trends and practice your networking skills with employers.
You can make a great first impression and set yourself up for success by preparing beforehand. Here are some tips for making the most of the fall career fairs.
Before the fair
Register on Handshake
CU Boulder students and alumni from all majors, experience levels and backgrounds can sign up on Handshake to attend the events. Current students already have a basic, active Handshake account—simply and follow these steps to complete your profile.
Having a complete Handshake profile improves your opportunities with potential employers. Check that your information is up to date before the career fair and set your profile to “public” for employers to view. If you need to add a professional photo to your profile, visit the free photo booth in the Career Services office on the fourth floor of the Center for Community (C4C).
You can also use Handshake to get event details, search for jobs and promote your resume to potential employers. Check the list of upcoming career fairs to see which events are the best fit for your interests.
on Tuesday, Oct. 1 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
on Wednesday, Oct. 2 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the UMC Glenn Miller Ballroom.
on Thursday, Oct. 3 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. UMC Glenn Miller Ballroom.
on Tuesday, Oct. 8 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. UMC Glenn Miller Ballroom.
on Wednesday, Oct. 16 from 3 to 5 p.m. UMC Glenn Miller Ballroom.
Check out upcoming workshops
Career Services is hosting two workshops to help you get ready for the October fairs:
- : Tuesday, Sept. 24, from 3 to 4 p.m.
- Monday, Sept. 30, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sign up for these workshops and others to get the tools you need to navigate in-person career and internship fairs with confidence and success.
Go with a plan
Remember that career fairs are open to all students, regardless of your major or year, and companies will be hiring for a wide range of jobs. Review the list of employers attending and prioritize who you want to meet. New employers sign up to participate daily, so check Handshake frequently before the event. Make sure you set aside enough time to visit your top employers, since lines can get long, and conversations may take more time than you think.
Students should bring their Buff OneCard for check-in. Bags and backpacks are allowed, but please note that there is no bag drop available, so you'll need to carry your belongings with you.
Update your resume
Ensure your resume highlights your skills, abilities and experience. Make variations tailored to each company or type of job that interests you. For virtual career fairs, it can be helpful to have a shareable link or file link for your resume prepared. Double-check that it displays well in both PDF and text formats. You can also swing by the Career Services office to print up to five copies of your resume for free.
Review these tips for building a compelling resume if you don’t know where to start, and use Quinncia, a free online tool from Career Services, to get AI-generated personalized, instant feedback and suggestions to improve your resume. For additional help, meet with a peer career advisor during scheduled office hours or schedule an appointment with a career advisor.
Practice your introduction
Prepare beforehand to make a strong first impression. When you’re talking to employers, start by sharing your name, year in school and major or area of study. Talk about the positions you’re interested in and how your skills or experiences align with those roles.
Asking questions is another great way to keep the conversation flowing. Research your priority employers and have a short list of questions ready. By asking insightful questions, you can demonstrate your interest in the employer while learning more about their company and opportunities.
During the fair
Dress for success
Wear clothes that reflect your identity and align with the context of the job you seek. This can put you in a confident mindset and help you to make a positive first impression. If you are unsure of the dress code expectations in specific industries or organizations, research online, talk with someone in that line of work or connect with Career Services to discuss your questions.
Take notes
When you meet with multiple employers, it can be challenging to remember the details of each conversation. It's helpful to bring a notebook and pen or use your phone or laptop to take notes. After speaking with employers, make sure to write down their contact information and a few specific things you discussed. You can also jot down what you liked or didn’t like about the company. Your notes will be useful for recalling the conversation if asked to schedule an interview or for adding details that can strengthen thank-you notes or follow-up emails.
After the fair
Follow up
If you received contact information from a company representative, email them after the fair. They will chat with many students at the fair, so reintroduce yourself and thank them for their time. Use your notes to recall something you discussed or enjoyed about the conversation. Let them know you’re interested in moving to the next step in the process.
Find support
For more tips to help you prepare for career fairs, check out programs and workshops from Career Services and consult accessibility resources for attending in-person events. If you have questions about the fair, ask a Career Services team member through LiveChat on the Career Services website.