How to prepare for virtual career fairs

We connected with ASU’s Career Services to learn more about what to expect, how the virtual fair will work, and how you can best prepare to make the most of your experience.

Career Fairs feature employers from various companies and industries, offering opportunities for all students. We recommend you check out which employers are attending (both in-person and virtually) and list those you wish to speak to. 

How will the virtual career fair work? 

Virtual career fairs are often run through ASU’s Handshake, which streamlines many aspects of the career fair experience. You’ll need to register for each day you'd like to attend. Once you register, you’ll sign up for 1:1 sessions (10 minutes each) or group sessions (30 minutes each) with employers. 

To join sessions during the event, navigate to the event in Handshake, click on the Your Sessions tab, then the Launch Video button. Students and employers will connect during these sessions using Handshake’s video, audio, or text-based chat.

How can I prepare for the virtual career fair? 

• Update your Handshake profile: Handshake can fill in your profile from your uploaded resume, so it’s a good idea to ensure that you’ve updated that resume to include work and volunteer experiences, skills you have built, and more. Check out this guide to must-haves on your Handshake profile. You can also take full advantage of the career center's drop-in career and internship advising. 

• Schedule meetings: Ensure you’ve created your schedule by signing up for 1:1 and group sessions with employers in advance. You can only meet with employers by signing up for sessions in advance.

• Research employers: Consider creating a document with each organization listed with one or two bullet points describing the organization. These notes could cover their mission, vision or goals to name a few examples. Secondly, list two to three questions you’d like to ask each organization in the session: "What are the top skills you’re looking for in an ideal candidate?” or “How would you describe your organizational culture?”

• Practice your pitch: The elevator pitch briefly introduces who you are and the types of opportunities you’re interested in. A few things to highlight in this pitch are your major and year at ASU, your skills, and the types of opportunities you’re searching for. Learn more about creating a successful pitch here. 

What should I have with me for the fair? 

We recommend having a notepad and pen, your resume, and a bottle of water available. On the notepad, you should always have the prewritten information about each organization and questions for each recruiter noted.  

What should I wear? 

We recommend wearing business professional clothing to a virtual event as you would to an in-person fair. Check out this post on dressing professionally as a college student for ideas on how to find an appropriate outfit within your budget. 

Lastly, ensure your background is clean and free of distractions so that the employer focuses on you and not your surroundings.

For more information and tips on ASU’s fall Career and Internship Fair, we’ve got you covered. Remember that the event isn’t over once you log off. Following up with recruiters and anyone you meet at the fair is essential, too.