How to Navigate Career Fairs 

A guide to make the most out of your experience

Sipping my morning coffee, scanning through my mail and messages in my home office, I smiled while reading a LinkedIn message from a mentee informing me of a career fair their university is hosting, and asking for the best ways to approach the day.

My mind drifted back 12 years to when I attended my first career fair at the University of Manchester. I had no idea how to prepare for it. All I heard were tips from other students: go armed with your CV, and if you leave with a scheduled interview or a job offer, it’s a success. It took me a few years to realise that navigating career fairs requires more nuanced strategies, both as a student and as a company representative.

The truth about career fairs is that they are an amazing way to network with people working at various companies. I still remember walking up the stairs of the Manchester Central Convention Center for my first career fair. I felt anxious, excited, and unsure about how to present myself or approach people. Networking was unknown to me, and I was clueless about how to make the most of the event.

Fast forward a few years, I found myself on the other side of the table as a Clinical Recruiter, attending medical events and fairs, representing my organization, and speaking with doctors, GPs, surgeons, and mental health practitioners.I was excited to meet them, offer advice, and bring back their contact details for our recruitment campaigns. Later, I supported other organizations at university career fairs, representing my employer and speaking to graduates and early career professionals. 

Through these experiences, I learned that the whole point of career fairs is not to secure a job on the day but to explore, identify employers interested in your profile, and connect with them.

Below are a few tips, to help you be armed for a productive experience, ahead of attending a career fair.

What to Expect

Career fairs are bustling events with numerous companies represented by professionals eager to meet students, graduates, and early career professionals. These representatives may have travelled from other cities to meet you, so they are genuinely interested in engaging with potential candidates. (1)

How to Approach the Day

Preparation Before the Fair

• Research attending companies: Familiarise yourself with the companies that will be present. Review their websites and recent news to understand their culture, values, and job openings. This knowledge will help you engage in informed conversations and ask relevant questions. (2) (6)
• Plan your questions: Prepare specific questions to ask recruiters about their organizations, such as company culture, training opportunities, or current projects. Avoid basic questions that can be easily found online, like “What does your company do?”
• Prepare your elevator pitch: Craft a concise introduction about yourself, highlighting your background, skills, and what you are looking for. Tailor this pitch to the specific companies you plan to approach. 
• Create your company priority list: Based on your research, prioritize the companies you want to speak with. This will help you manage your time effectively during the event. (2), (3)

Day of the Event

• Arrive early: Get to the venue ahead of time to familiarize yourself with the layout and locate the companies you want to visit.
• Dress professionally: Choose an outfit that reflects professionalism. Consider the industry’s typical dress code and the company culture. It’s usually better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed. Note: Wear comfortable shoes, you will be standing and walking all day. (3) (6)
• Make connections: Introduce yourself clearly and express genuine interest in their organisation. You can try to establish a rapport by asking about their experiences and insights about the company. (1)
• Take notes: Bring a notepad to jot down important information during your conversations, including details about roles, application processes, and contact information.

Sharing Your CV

• Ask for permission: Before handing over your CV, ask if they would like a copy. For example, you might say, “I have my CV with me, would you like a copy?” (1)
• Hand it over thoughtfully: If they agree, present your CV politely, perhaps with a brief explanation of what they will find in it that relates to the conversation you just had.
• Collect business cards: Always ask for the recruiter’s business card or contact information. This allows you to follow up after the fair. (1)
• Send a Thank-You email: After the event, send a thank-you email to the recruiters you spoke with, attaching your CV again, if appropriate.(4)

Follow-Up After the Fair

• Connect on LinkedIn: After the event, send connection requests to recruiters and professionals you met. Include a personalized message reminding them of your conversation to reinforce your interest in their organization.
• Send Thank-You emails: If you had meaningful discussions, follow up within 24 hours with a thank-you email. This can help keep you on their radar and demonstrate your professionalism and enthusiasm. (4)

Navigating career fairs effectively can open doors to several connections that can turn into opportunities. The goal is to network, learn, and follow up diligently.  These strategies may not only help you succeed at career fairs but also set the foundation for your future career growth.

If you are looking to attend a career fair this autumn take a look through UKCareersFair.com where you will find upcoming events in the UK.

Citations

1. GRB Career Advice
2. University of Oxford Careers: 
3. University of Bath Career Fair Preparation
4. BRAVEN 
5. ILR School
6. Career Fair +

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