Job fairs and career events are invaluable opportunities in your job search. They allow you to meet face-to-face (or virtually) with potential employers, network with industry professionals, and gain valuable insight into companies and job openings that you might not have encountered otherwise. However, to truly make the most of these events, it’s important to approach them with intention, preparation, and strategy. Here’s how you can maximise your time and energy at job fairs and career events to advance your career.
Do Your Research Before the Event
The key to making the most of any job fair or career event starts long before you walk through the door. You need to do your homework. It’s easy to show up unprepared, but that’s not the way to make a lasting impression. Research is your first step.
Most job fairs provide a list of participating companies, often via an event website or mobile app. Review this list ahead of time and decide which companies you’re most interested in. Take the time to learn about their products, services, culture, and, most importantly, their job openings. Many companies will also list the roles they’re hiring for, which helps you prioritise your time and efforts during the event. You don’t want to waste time wandering around—focus on the companies that align with your career goals.
But the research doesn’t stop at reading a company’s job postings. Try to understand their values, mission, and any recent news about them. This will allow you to craft thoughtful, personalised questions and show your genuine interest when you engage with recruiters. Doing your research is one of the best ways to stand out from the crowd of candidates, demonstrating initiative and foresight.
Prepare Your Elevator Pitch
An elevator pitch is your chance to introduce yourself quickly and effectively. Imagine being in an elevator with a recruiter or hiring manager—how would you explain who you are and why you’re the perfect fit for a job in the short amount of time you have before the elevator ride is over?
The elevator pitch should be a succinct, compelling summary of your background, skills, and career aspirations. You want to give recruiters a clear sense of who you are, what you can offer, and why you're interested in a specific role or company—all in under a minute. The goal is to spark interest and leave the recruiter wanting to hear more.
When crafting your pitch, focus on the value you bring to a role, not just your job history. For example, instead of saying, "I’ve worked in customer service for 5 years," try, "I’ve led customer service teams to achieve a 95% satisfaction rate by implementing more efficient communication protocols." It’s results-driven, which is exactly what recruiters want to hear.
Keep your pitch conversational, and practice it until it feels natural. The more comfortable you are delivering it, the more confident you’ll appear when speaking with recruiters.
Dress the Part
Although you may think job fairs are informal or casual events, your attire can make a big difference in how you're perceived. Dressing appropriately is crucial to making a great first impression. While you may not need to wear a full suit, it’s important to dress professionally—think business or business-casual attire.
For men, smart trousers, a crisp shirt, and polished shoes are usually sufficient, while women may opt for a professional dress or trousers and a blouse. Ensure that your clothes are clean, well-fitted, and free of wrinkles. A professional appearance will help convey that you take the opportunity seriously and are ready to make an impression.
Make sure to avoid overly casual attire like jeans, t-shirts, or sneakers. Even if the event is relatively laid-back, you want to signal that you’re serious about your career and respectful of the opportunity to meet with recruiters. Attention to grooming is equally important—your hair should be neat, and jewellery should be minimal.
Bring Multiple Copies of Your CV
Even in the age of online applications, there’s something powerful about a printed copy of your CV. It shows that you’ve come prepared, and it’s a great way for recruiters to quickly reference your qualifications after meeting you. You don’t want to hand over your CV without any context or conversation, but bringing it along is essential.
Make sure to bring enough copies to distribute—generally, aim for at least 10 copies. If you’re attending a fair with multiple companies, you don’t want to be caught unprepared if you come across several opportunities that seem like a good fit. Tailor your CV for the event: If you know the types of positions you’re targeting, adjust your CV to highlight the most relevant skills and experience for those roles.
If the job fair is industry-specific, consider bringing multiple versions of your CV that cater to the specific sectors you're interested in. For example, a version of your CV for marketing roles, another for communications, and so on.
Engage with Recruiters and Ask Questions
Simply handing over your CV and walking away won’t get you noticed. Take the time to engage with the recruiter in conversation. Remember, recruiters are meeting dozens or even hundreds of candidates, so you’ll want to make an impression that lasts. Asking insightful, well-thought-out questions is a good way to show that you're genuinely interested in the company and position.
Rather than just asking, “What jobs are available?” try to ask more specific, targeted questions. For example, “What qualities do successful employees at your company possess?” or “Can you tell me about the team I’d be working with?” Questions like these demonstrate that you’ve thought about the role in detail and are eager to learn more about the company’s culture and values.
When interacting with recruiters, listen carefully to their responses, and use the opportunity to tailor your own pitch or explain why you’re particularly interested in their company. This makes the conversation more meaningful and helps you stand out in their mind.
Network with Other Attendees
Job fairs are not just about meeting recruiters—they’re also an excellent opportunity to network with other job seekers. Talking to your fellow attendees can lead to valuable insights into the job market, advice on companies to consider, and even potential job referrals. Many job seekers at these events are in similar industries or fields, and you might find that you have mutual connections or experiences that you can share.
Take the time to network with others in your field. You never know where a conversation might lead—another candidate could provide you with useful job tips, introduce you to someone who’s hiring, or offer advice on your CV or interview skills.
The best part? Networking doesn’t just stop at the event. Follow up with fellow attendees on LinkedIn or via email, and build those professional relationships over time.
Follow Up After the Event
Your job fair experience doesn’t end when you leave the venue. In fact, one of the most important steps in making the most of these events is following up with the recruiters and contacts you’ve met.
After the event, send a personalised thank-you email to each recruiter or company representative you spoke with. Express your appreciation for their time, remind them of your conversation, and reinforce your interest in the company or position. A well-crafted follow-up message will help keep you top of mind, and it’s a professional way to ensure your application isn’t lost in the shuffle.
For instance, you could write something like, "Thank you for taking the time to speak with me at [Event Name]. I really enjoyed learning more about your company, and I’m excited about the opportunity to apply for the [Role Name] position. I believe my [mention relevant skills] would be a great fit for your team. Please let me know if there’s any additional information you need from me.”
Make sure to follow up with any connections you made with fellow job seekers as well. A quick “It was great meeting you at [Event Name]—let’s stay in touch” can help you build your professional network and maybe even lead to unexpected opportunities.
Maximise Virtual Job Fairs
Many job fairs and career events have moved online, but that doesn’t mean they’re any less valuable. In fact, virtual job fairs can offer even more flexibility and convenience, allowing you to attend events from anywhere. However, virtual events require the same level of preparation and professionalism as in-person ones.
To ensure you stand out in a virtual job fair, take a few extra steps. Set up a quiet, well-lit area for the event, test your camera and microphone beforehand, and dress as if you were attending an in-person event. Just because you’re not meeting recruiters in person doesn’t mean you can be any less professional.
During the event, use the chat or video options to engage with recruiters. Share your CV and ask questions about the roles they’re hiring for, just as you would at an in-person event.
Job fairs and career events are valuable opportunities that can open doors to new career possibilities. To truly make the most of these events, it’s important to come prepared. Do your research, perfect your elevator pitch, dress the part, and actively engage with recruiters. Networking with other attendees and following up afterward will ensure you stay top of mind. By implementing these strategies, you’ll be able to turn job fairs and career events into a significant advantage in your job search.