Wondering how to prepare for a career fair and what to expect? We’ve compiled our best resources to help get you started. There are multiple ways to prepare; choose the options that work for you (self-guided modules, workshops, individual appointments, etc.).
Six Steps to Building Career Fair Confidence
1. Visit Handshake and Register for the Fair
2. Update Your Resume
- Check out the Resume module (with templates)
- Use Big Resume to check your document for errors (sign in with your Cornell NetId)
- Review our Resumes webpage for recorded resume workshops
- Upload your resume(s) to Handshake
3. Practice Your Pitch
- Attend an upcoming networking workshop
- Check out the Networking module
- Read about developing your elevator pitch and see samples.
- Virtual Fairs: Test your internet, computer audio, and video
4. Prepare for the Fair
- In-person fair:
- Make sure to dress for success – most in-person fairs are either business casual or business professional (you can refer to What Can I Wear to Work in the Career Development Toolkit for examples
- Print multiple copies of up-to-date resume to give to employers at the fair (some will tell you to apply online)
- Look over which employers are attending via Handshake
- Virtual fair:
- Check out the Fairs module for step by step guidance (sample pages below)
5. Research Employers
- Check out the Job Search module
- Complete the Campus Recruiting (CR) tutorial if you want to sign up for an interview through Handshake after the fair
- Virtual Fair: Sign up in Handshake to meet with specific employers
- Follow employers in Handshake to learn about info sessions and job/internship opportunities
6. Get Personalized Assistance
- Schedule an appointment with Central Career Services or your college career office
After the Career Fair
Check out the Career Development Toolkit for more modules to keep building your career readiness and prepare to submit applications and practice interviewing.
