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Taylor Sublette
August 28, 2026
Career Guide ArticlePreparing for a career fair can be scary. Who should I talk to? What do I even say? Do I need to bring anything? These are all probably questions you ask yourself ahead of time, and they’re completely valid. The pressure to walk away from a career fair with a job or internship offer can feel very high. While it is exciting to pursue these opportunities, a career fair is also a chance to make connections, learn about employers, and practice presenting yourself professionally.
In this article, I will go over all the tools you can use to prepare for a career fair and feel confident walking out of one.
BEFORE THE CAREER FAIR
Preparation before a career fair is almost as important as actually attending it. Feeling prepared ahead of time makes the experience much less intimidating! Below are a few things you can do to get ready:
1. Update & review your resume
When talking to employers, you want to have your resume readily available. This is especially important if you are hoping to land an interview, as it shows you are prepared and confident.
Don’t be afraid to ask if they would like a copy! When choosing paper, opt for a higher-quality paper, slightly thicker than regular printer paper, for a more professional feel.
Be sure to print at least 10 more copies than you think you’ll need, just in case you speak with more companies than expected, or employers request multiple copies.
2. Research companies attending ahead of time
It’s always a good idea to research the companies attending the career fair. Most universities have a webpage listing registered employers. If you can’t find one, go to your career services office, as they can usually provide it.
Researching in advance helps you understand the available roles, qualifications, and day-to-day responsibilities. Instead of asking a broad question like, “What kind of jobs do you have?” try to reference a specific role, department, or area of interest. This shows the recruiter that you took the time to learn about the company.
Once you’ve identified companies of interest, rank them from most to least preferred; this priority list will come in handy later.
3. Prepare an elevator pitch
Having an elevator pitch is one of the best ways to reduce stress. This should be a 30-second to 1-minute introduction covering:
This is your first impression, so aim to sound confident, knowledgeable, and genuinely interested.
4. Pick out your outfit ahead of time
When it comes to career fairs, it’s all about “look good, feel good.” First impressions matter, and professional attire is key.
Business professional attire is recommended, such as:
Plan your outfit in advance so you’re not scrambling the day of. You’ll also want to bring a padfolio to organize your resumes, collect business cards, and take notes.
DURING THE CAREER FAIR
Even with preparation, nerves are completely normal. You might walk in and suddenly freeze — that’s okay! It just means you care.
What do you do when you arrive?
Career fairs can feel overwhelming. Take a lap around the room and locate your target companies. This helps you create a plan and avoid feeling lost.
Start by approaching a company lower on your ranking list. This allows you to practice, ease your nerves, and build confidence before talking to your top choices.
How do you navigate conversations?
You’ve approached a recruiter — now what?
If they’re speaking with another student, wait for your turn. When it’s your turn, greet them with a firm handshake and introduce yourself. This is your moment to deliver your elevator pitch.
From there, let the conversation flow naturally. Ask thoughtful questions about:
Listen carefully to their answer, and keep the conversation relevant and professional.
AFTER THE CAREER FAIR
Don’t forget to follow up
Before leaving, thank the employer for their time and offer your resume if you haven’t already.
Be sure to collect a business card so you can send a follow-up email later that day. Thank them again and mention something specific you discussed. If you schedule an interview, express your excitement about the next steps.
You made it! Career fairs may seem intimidating at first, but preparation is the key to success. By using these tools, you can walk in feeling confident and ready to make meaningful connections.
For additional assistance with career fair prep, check out the AgCareers’ Career Success library: https://www.agcareers.com/career-success-library/
