Know before you go: What to expect at career fairs
Are you planning to attend a career fair this semester? Do you want to expand your professional network? Career Services hosts multiple career fairs to connect students with potential employers. Even if you are not actively searching, these events are a great way to explore job and internship openings, stay updated on industry trends and practice your networking skills.
Knowing what to expect can help you feel more prepared and make the experience less overwhelming. Here’s what you should know before you go.
How to register
Ƶ Boulder students and alumni from all majors, experience levels and backgrounds can use Handshake to sign up to attend career fairs, find event details and see a list of employers attending. Current students already have an account—simply and follow these steps to complete your profile.
At in-person career fairs, each employer will have a QR code for you to scan at their table. This allows them to collect a list of all the students who checked in with them. They can then view your profile, download your resume and message you on Handshake after the fair. Make sure your profile is public and complete by including your major, school year, preferred name and resume.
For virtual career fairs, you can use Handshake to sign up for “Available Sessions,” like one-on-ones with a recruiter or group sessions on different company-specific topics.
Review the list of upcoming career fairs to see which events best fit your interests:
- Wednesday, Feb. 19 | 3–5 p.m. | UMC, Glenn Miller Ballroom
- Wednesday, March 12 | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Tuesday, April 1 | 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. | UMC, Glenn Miller Ballroom
What to bring
It’s best to pack light if you can when attending in-person fairs. There will be no bag or coat drop, so consider bringing only the items you need:
- Your Buff OneCard
- Multiple printed copies of your resume or a digital copy
- Pen and paper to take notes or write down employers’ contact information
- A list of questions you prepared ahead of time
- Your phone to view the list of employers and check in on the Handshake app
Similarly for virtual fairs, you’ll want to have a copy of your resume to refer to when talking with recruiters and a list of questions. Check out these tips to help you research employers and prepare for conversations.
What to wear
Professional attire expectations are changing so wear clothing that is reflective of your identity and aligns with the context of the job you’re seeking. This can put you in a better mindset and help you make a good first impression.
Where to go
If you are attending in person, you can enter the fair from the south terrace of the University Memorial Center (UMC). This entrance includes a ramp and leads directly to the fair check-in area. At the Just In Time All Industries Fair, there is typically a big rush at 11 a.m. If you want to avoid big crowds, come later in the afternoon, between 2 and 4 p.m. You could also start in the smaller space across from the ballroom, conference room 235, that sometimes has additional employers.
On the day of a virtual fair, be sure to test your video and audio before your sessions using Firefox, Chrome browsers or the Handshake App. Check out more tips on how to prep for and participate in a virtual career fair.
More support
For more tips to help you prepare for career fairs, consult the accessibility resources page and check out upcoming programs and workshops from Career Services:
- Monday, March 10 | 3-4 p.m. | C4C, S350
- March 31 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | C4C, S440
Don’t forget to stop by the Career Services office on the fourth floor of the Center for Community (C4C) for a free professional headshot 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.
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.