How to prepare for career fairs
Looking for a job or internship? Career Services hosts career fairs every semester so you can meet employers, explore opportunities and practice your networking skills.听
Check out these simple tips to help you feel confident and prepared.听
听听Register on Handshake听
Handshake is your go鈥憈o place to register for career fairs, see event details and check which employers will be there. CU 抖阴传媒在线 students already have an account鈥攋ust and complete your profile with your major, year, preferred name and resume. And make sure your profile is public!听
For virtual fairs: Sign up for 鈥淎vailable Sessions,鈥 including one鈥憃n鈥憃nes with recruiters or group sessions about the company.听
For in鈥憄erson fairs: Employers will have a QR code at their table so you can check in. This lets recruiters view your profile, download your resume and message you later.听
Review upcoming fairs to find events that match your interests.听
Make it a habit to keep your Handshake profile up to date and check in regularly鈥攕earch for new opportunities and upcoming events often. The more you use Handshake, the better it gets at recommending jobs and events tailored to your interests, helping you make the most of your job or internship search.听
听听Attend prep workshops
Career Services offers free workshops to help you get ready, including:
- on March 9
- on March 24
- on March 30听
Sign up on Handshake to feel more confident going into the fair.听 听听
听听Get organized听
Every career fair is open to all students, from all majors and experience levels. Browse through the list of employers who are attending on Handshake and highlight the ones you want to meet. New companies are added often, so check back before the event.听
If you鈥檙e attending in person:
- Bring your Buff OneCard.
- Carry a few printed resumes.
- Bring a notebook and pen.
- Keep your bag with you (no bag drop available).
- Plan your schedule so you have time to visit your top employers鈥攍ines and conversations can take longer than expected.听
If you鈥檙e attending virtually: Have your resume and something to take notes with nearby.听
听听Practice your pitch
Be ready to introduce yourself. Keep it short:
- Your name
- Your year and major
- What kinds of roles you鈥檙e interested in
- A quick example of related coursework, involvement or experience
You can also talk about one or two of your top skills, and come prepared with a few questions for each employer. Thoughtful questions show you鈥檝e done your homework and help you learn more about company culture and opportunities.听
听听Dress for success听
Wear something that reflects who you are but also fits the professional vibe of the roles you鈥檙e pursuing. Your outfit can help boost your confidence.听
Not sure what鈥檚 expected? Check company websites, talk with professors or advisors or reach out to Career Services for guidance.听
听听Take notes听
You鈥檒l meet and chat with a lot of people at career fairs鈥攄on鈥檛 try to rely on your memory alone. Write down important details from each conversation, including the recruiter鈥檚 name and anything that stood out. Your notes will help you write stronger follow鈥憉ps and prepare for interviews.听
听听Find support听
For more tips to help you prepare for career fairs, review our accessibility resources and check out upcoming programs and workshops.听
Buffs can also stop by the Career Services office on the fourth floor of the Center for Community (C4C) to take a free professional profile picture or to have your resume reviewed. If you have questions about the fair, ask a Career Services team member through LiveChat on the Career Services website.听听
For accommodations including real-time captioning or a sign language interpreter, email adacoordinator@colorado.edu or visit the Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance website at least seven days before the event. During the fair, visit the student check-in or info table for assistance or email careerservicesevents@colorado.edu to request an accommodation.听听听听听听