Are you Preparing For Your University Careers Fair?; Here Are My Top Five Tips for You

Dinuka Tharangi Jayaweera
Nov 4 · 3 min read

I have attended several career fairs for computing undergraduates during the past 2+ years as a company representative.

Based on my observations, here are my thoughts for you to get the most out of your university careers fair:

Prioritize and visit company stalls 🔢

There could be dozens of company stalls at the careers fair. Do not target to visit all those stalls. Instead, when you get the list of companies attending the careers fair, prioritize and select a few companies you wish to be employed at. Be sure to identify their stalls in the location floor map so you can easily find the stalls on the day.

It might be a good idea for you not to visit the company you are most interested in joining first-up. Build-up your confidence and calm your nerves by visiting another company first. Use the experience gathered to be your best when visiting the stall of your most favoured company. However, use your best judgement since there could be many students interested in joining the same employer and you will need to balance your time!

Once you finish visiting the stalls of your prioritized companies, you can walk-in to other stalls.

Do your homework 👩‍💻

Once you prioritize the list of companies that you wish to join, visit their websites and learn more about them. Customize your CV as per their openings. By knowing about the company you can show your real interest to the interviewers.

Go as early as possible 🏃‍♀️

Unless the interviews are pre-scheduled, typically, candidates are interviewed on a FCFS basis. Visit the career fair early so that you can face your interviews before fatigue sets in. Remember that even the interviewers get tired as the day progress!

Do not be tired of waiting 😓

There will always be a wait time. Some companies have a waiting area for students to be seated, have some candies, and even chit-chat with a company representative while waiting for the interview. But in most cases, you will have to stand and wait in a line. Either way, don’t get tired! Keep your good mood until you are done with your interview.

Try to be remembered 🦸‍♀️

Most of the companies do initial screening during the careers fairs, whereas some do on the spot job offerings. It is essential to be highlighted among many others.

Practice your elevator pitch:

Time is important, so prepare your elevator pitch to introduce yourself quickly and effectively in about 30 to 90 seconds maximum. A good elevator pitch will help you make a good impression and establish a good grounding for the interview.

Pro tip — Avoid stating the obvious. If you are at your university career fair organized for undergraduates of your department, don’t say “I am an undergraduate of university X department Y” — interviewers already know that!

Show confidence:

Make sure you give a firm handshake, a smile and keep eye contact throughout the conversation.

Ask easy and meaningful questions:

Show your passion and knowledge about the company.

Good luck with your interviews!

Dinuka Tharangi Jayaweera
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