The Best Ways to Stand Out At A Career Fair

It can often feel as though we have to go through the same motions until a job finally arrives at our door, and we can focus on building a brand new career. Things don’t have to be that way. Although it can be tough to make yourself stand out for the right reasons, it might not be as challenging as it seems.

Career fairs are a great way to learn about your options and make some new connections. In fact, the best ways to stand out at a career fair could be just the things we need to ensure we’re the shining star of the show.

Find out who will be at the career fair

Want to be prepared with your questions and introductions? The best thing to do is find out who is going to be at the career fair. As well as being able to research the companies and questions you want to ask, this can also help when making a list of booths you want to visit and who you want to meet. Sometimes, the apparent effort we have gone to before a career fair can automatically help us stand out for the right reasons.

Keep your bag small and bring plenty of resumes

When thinking about what you need to take to a career fair, remember that less is always more. Don’t worry about taking every project and portfolio you have ever made. Instead, you want your hands free and to look professional, not disheveled. Stick to a small bag - if you need one at all - and a folder to keep copies of your resume to hand. Be sure to bring plenty of copies so there are more than enough for everyone, as well as a pen and paper if you need to make any notes.

Dress for the job you want to get

Dressing for a career fair doesn’t have to be tough. Think about what you would wear to a job interview and go from there. That means something smart, but be sure to keep things lightweight so you don’t get hot while walking around. Also, make sure your shoes are nice and comfortable, as there’s a good chance you could be on your feet for hours.

Be sure to mingle with everyone you need to know

Being shy can be one of the biggest obstacles we need to overcome when it comes to standing out at a career fair. Don’t worry about anything else; just focus on getting your resume in the right hands. Keep a smile on your face, and be sure to make eye contact with people talking to you, with a strong handshake going a long way. Having something prepared can make this a lot easier, as you can offer up 30 seconds of what you want the company to know about you as a worker. Just be sure not to go fast. It can be easy to let our nerves get the better of us.

Make a lasting impression and leave a memorable goodbye

Once you have your resume in their hands and you’ve built a small relationship with the person you need at a company, it’s time to make that lasting impression. Hat means letting the person know that you’re interested in what they have to offer, as well as asking what you need to do as a next step. Be sure to thank the person talking to you before you go, as this really shows that you appreciate their time. You can also ask for a business card so you have instant access to someone when it comes to progressing your career. 

Follow up with the ones you need after the career fair

One way to leave a lasting impression from a career fair is to send personal thank-yous to those who spent their time talking to you. Even if you have no interest in ever working together, you never know when your paths might cross again, so be sure to send an email thanking them for their time within 48 hours. If you’re interested in furthering your career, don’t hold back on taking action. If you know what you need to do - do it. If you need more information - ask for it. Whatever the case, don’t let your name slip from their minds, as showing you are keen and willing to put in the effort usually goes a long way.

The best ways to stand out at a career fair might not seem that obvious, but they can go a long way when it comes to getting our name in people’s minds for the right reason. Who knows where the opportunities could lead?