Career Fair Success Guide

Career & Professional Development Center DIVISION OF ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT & STUDENT EXPPERIENCE

CAREER FAIR

SUCCESS GUIDE

“Launching Hawks Towards Success”

Upcoming Career Fair Events Spring Career & Internship Expo: Tuesday, March 3, 2026 UMES & SU Education Job Fair: Thursday, March 12, 2026

WHY ATTEND A CAREER FAIR? Career fairs are open to all majors and class years and offer valuable opportunities to: Increase your chances of securing an interview Expand your professional network Explore career paths, industries, and organizations Learn about current job and internship openings Receive job-search advice directly from recruiters

HOW TO PREPARE To make the most of your experience, come prepared: Dress professionally Bring multiple copies of your resume Research employers attending the fair Prepare thoughtful questions in advance Your 60‑Second Introduction (Elevator Pitch): Take the time to research the organizations who will be present at the fair. Be prepared to market yourself within 60 seconds: Introduce yourself, tell the employer why you are there, summarize your education & experience and reiterate your interest. Make a good first impression!

Adapted from the Atlanta University Center Career Day Guide

AT THE CAREER FAIR Be respectful of time—if lines are long, move on and return later Greet employers with a smile, firm handshake, and confidence Speak clearly and professionally (avoid slang) Ask 1–2 meaningful questions that show interest Thank the recruiter before leaving and collect a business card if available

AFTER THE CAREER FAIR Write notes about each employer you spoke with Send a thank‑you email within one week of the event Reference your conversation and any next steps discussed Sending a follow‑up message helps you stand out and shows professionalism.

WHAT EMPLOYERS EXPECT AT CAREER FAIRS? Students should already know about the organizations and their missions.

When students attend the event they should come with questions about the organization.

All students should be professionally dressed in appropriate clothing For students to have resumes and cover letters prepared and many copies of them Students are to send thank you letters or follow up phone calls after the fair. Possible interviews are given when employers receive a thank you letter after a career fair.

SAMPLE “ICE-BREAKING” QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN ATTENDING A CAREER FAIR 1. Hello, my name is and I am a Major. Can you describe the entrylevel positions within your agency/corporation which are commensurate with my educational background?

2. What job opportunities exist with your agency/corporation? Can you tell me about your training programs?

3. Does your agency/corporation have internships or summer employment ? How do I apply?

4. What specific skills are you looking for when selecting a candidate for this position?

5. What is your agency/corporation’s top priority when selecting job candidates? Grades? Major? Internships/co-op experience?

Extracurricular activities?

6. How long have you been employed with the agency/corporation? What was your college major and how did your major coincide with the career path that you are currently pursuing within the agency/corporation?

10. Along with a salary, what additional benefits (housing/transportation) do you offer to interns?

11 . am very interested in speaking with you further regarding your agency/corporation and realize that there are a number of other people waiting to speak with you. When will I have an opportunity to speak with you further?

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HOW TO SELL YOURSELF AT THE CAREER FAIR

Career fairs are a great opportunity to connect with employers, learn about jobs and internships, and make a strong first impression. Use this guide to prepare and make the most of your time.

What to Bring 25–30 copies of your resume (tailored if possible) A professional, polished resume that is easy to read Confidence and a positive attitude

Do Your Homework Research employers attending the fair Know what they do and what skills they seek Be ready to explain how your skills match their needs

First Impressions Matter Smile and make eye contact Offer a firm handshake Introduce yourself clearly and professionally Be enthusiastic and respectful

Pro Tips Don’t wait until the last hour— some employers may leave early Collect business cards or contact information Thank recruiters for their time before moving on

During the Career Fair

Your 30-Second Pitch

Speak with recruiters on your own, not in groups Ask 1–2 thoughtful questions Be mindful of long lines— return later if needed Stay energized and professional throughout the event

Be ready to briefly share Your name, major, class year and career interests 1or 2 key experiences or skills Why you are interested in the employer

5 THINGS TO TAKE HOME FROM THE CAREER FAIR Make sure you get business cards from the recruiters you have met. Use the cards to write follow-up notes to the organizations you are most interested in.

You should have a wealth of notes about contacts you made.

Take paper and pen with you to write down important details about particular organizations, including names of people who may not have had business cards.

This is an opportunity to gather Information about organizations you have contacted. Most recruiters will have information for you to pick up, including company brochures, computer diskettes or CDs. Remain focused on company information and position descriptions

Attending such an event will leave you with a better sense of your career options and evaluate which company might be a match for you. If you have used the event correctly, you will have made contact with several organizations that hire people with your skills and interests.

Have self-confidence when interacting with employer representatives. A career fair gives you the opportunity to practice your interview skills in a less formidable environment than a formal interview. Use this experience to practice talking about what you have done, what you know, and what your interests are.

www.umes.edu/careers

University of Maryland Eastern Shore Career and Professional Development Center Student Services Center 2nd Floor, Suite #2158 Princess Anne, MD 21853 (410) 651-6447 www.umes.edu/careers