Career Fairs
How to Benefit from a Career Fair
Career Services held our Career Fair on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, from 11:00 a.m.
to 2:00 p.m. AND our Education Fair from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the Hettenhausen
Center for the Arts. Go to Career Fair and Education Fair for employer and other information. Please stay tuned for our 2027 Fair announement
date.
There are a few main reasons employers attend career fairs. They want to increase
awareness of their company by distributing company literature, make contacts with
candidates who may be a good fit for their company, obtain resumes for potential openings
in the near future, and to fill current position openings within their company/organization.
Candidates need to do all they can to make a positive first impression, and below
is information to assist you in making this a valuable experience.
Preparation Before Career Fair
• Understand your goals by asking yourself why you are going and what you hope to
achieve, and then begin to prepare so that these goals can be met. Do you want to
gain more information about certain companies, obtain an internship, or find a full-time
position?
• Obtain a list of employers attending the career fair from the Career Services webpage.
After deciding what companies/organizations you may want to speak with, go to their
webpage to learn more about them. You do not need to know everything about a company/organization
at this point, but some knowledge of their company will help you stand out in a positive
way. We encourage you not to limit your interactions with companies that have recognizable
names. Please explore all your options!
• Prepare or update your resume, and then have it critiqued by Career Services; you
might want to customize your resume to certain companies.
• Prepare a one-minute “commercial” about yourself. Introduce yourself, demonstrate
knowledge about the company, express your sincere interest in the company, and let
the recruiter know what you can offer them (e.g. related course work, activities,
leadership roles, internships, relevant work experience). Make sure to also ask them
some questions about their company/organization. Be aware that you might have to adjust
what you say based on how busy the fair is at that time. BE FLEXIBLE!
• Obtain a nice folder, paper, and pen that you can take with you to the fair.
Day of Career Fair
• Wear professional clothes! A suit is very appropriate attire for this type of event.
Make sure your shoes are shiny and not scuffed. Don’t wear too much jewelry or perfume,
and make sure nails are neatly manicured. Please see information on professional dress
in the onlline Career Planning Guide for more guidance in this area.
• Take several copies of your resume on quality paper with you, along with a nice
portfolio, paper, and pen. Try to leave backpacks and other unnecessary items somewhere
if at all possible. Please hang your coat if space allows.
• Nonverbal communication can speak a thousand words. When visiting companies, look
professional, have a firm handshake for each recruiter, use good eye contact, stand
up straight, and avoid distracting movements such as wringing your hands, rocking
back and forth, or playing with your hair. Make sure to also smile! Your tone of voice
should be enthusiastic, but pleasant and conversational.
• Present your “commercial” to the employer. Show them why you would be the best candidate,
let them know you are knowledgeable of their company/organization through what you
say and questions you ask, and answer their questions with a good response. Obtain
their business card, ask them the time frame they are looking at, and also how you
can follow up with them about their openings. Ask if they are the contact person for
the positions.
• Take short breaks to write down important information about the companies/organizations.
After the Career Fair
• Read the information you have collected thoroughly and review notes you made.
• Follow up with companies/organizations you are interested in through e-mails, phone
call, or a letter. Make sure to submit any necessary applications in a timely manner.
Sample Questions to Ask Employers
-What advice would you offer to someone who wants to work for your company/organization?
-What are the typical entry-level positions for which you hire?
-What qualifications do you seek in new employees?
-Do you offer a training program? If so, can you describe that program?
-What does a typical date look like for someone in this role?
-What kinds of projects do interns or entry-level hires usually start with in their role?
-What are possible career paths in your company/organization?
-How would you describe your team culture?
-What can I do now as a student to be a stronger applicant for your company/organization?
-What does your hiring proicess look like for students or recent graduates?
-When do you expect to hire for your available positions?
-Can I provide you with additional information?
-What is the best way to stay in touch with you?
TEACHER CANDIDATE QUESTIONS
-What kind of support do new teachers get in their first year?
-Is there a mentor or coaching program for new hires?
-How would teachers describe the culture of your schools?
-How does the district approach curriculum and instructional materials?
-What does collaboration look like on a typical week?
-How do administrators support teachers when challenges come up?
-What do you look for in a strong candidate?
-What keeps teachers in your district?
-When does hiring usually begin?
-What is the best way to follow up after today?
