Employers: Visit the employer’s events page to learn how to engage with Career Services through events.

Our career fairs and events are open to all CU Boulder students and alumni! We offer several workshops, panel events, career fairs and industry nights throughout the year, so check back frequently to make sure you don’t miss out.

Need a professional headshot on Handshake before career fairs? Stop by Career Services to use our free headshot photo booth! 

Employer-hosted Events
Employers are hosting dozens of online events like information sessions, job search tips, employer panels, mock interviews, webinars and more! Search on Handshake for the full listing.

How to prepare for an in-person career fair

Whether you’re looking for an internship or a job after graduation, career fairs are a great way to make progress in your search. These events allow you to connect with employers who will be hiring, and there are steps you can take to help you make a great first impression. Here are some tips for making the most of the virtual career events taking place this semester.

A benefit of attending the fair is to expand your professional network. Even if you are not actively job searching, attending a fair is an opportunity to meet new employers, learn about the wide variety of opportunities, learn more about industry trends and build confidence in your job or internship search.

Take note of the career fairs you’d like to attend. Keep in mind that career fairs are open to all students and companies will be hiring for a wide range of jobs. Review the list of employers who will be attending and make a list of who you’d like to speak with at the fair. New employers are continuously added to the list, so regularly check the Handshake career fair page to see who will be attending each event.

We recommend you create a list of 5-8 employers you want to talk to during the fair. Consider employers you have heard of before and those you are not familiar with. Spend time researching their website, specifically looking for a ‘careers’ page. You can learn more about the company on their Handshake, LinkedIn company page, and/or Glassdoor. Specifically, conduct an environmental scan of the organization by reviewing their mission and values, benefits (salary, insurance, paid time off, etc.), and what employees who work there (or have worked there) say about the organization.

Double check that your Handshake profile is up to date with your preferred name and your current major.

 

Make sure you have a resume that highlights your skills, abilities and experience. If there are specific employers that you are scheduled to chat with during the career fair, make a variation of your resume that is tailored to each employer. Review these tips for creating a memorable resume, and use VMock to get personalized, instant feedback on your resume.

Practice introducing yourself to employers. Start by sharing your name, year in school and major or area of interest. Talk about the positions you’re interested in, and some relevant skills or experiences. 

You should also prepare two or three questions to ask each employer. These should be related to the company or positions you’re interested in. As part of your research before the event, make sure your questions are insightful and not easily answered by looking at their website. Here are some sample questions that might be good to ask:

  • How did your degree help you prepare for the position you are in now?

  • I read that your company just started a project doing _______. What opportunities would an intern/new team member have in this project?

  • What do you like most about your job and working for _______?

  • I am interested in following up with you about your job opening. Could you tell me the next steps in the process? And could you give me your email address so that I can follow up with you in a few days?

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. 

You can print copies of your resume ahead of time, but it’s not required. Bring a notebook and pen so you can keep track of notes and follow up items. Take note of what you liked or didn’t like about the company. You’ll want to reference these notes later if you’re invested for an interview.

Utilize the resource provided at check-in to identify where the employers you want to talk to are located within the room. We recommend you start with an employer you are not as excited about and then prioritize the companies you are most interested in to talk with after you warm up. There may be lines for certain employers, and thus you may want to start with employers who have less traffic. 

Consider talking with organizations that you are not familiar with. You can do some quick research on your own or can connect with Career Services staff at the information table to do some quick research. 

If possible, don’t bring a bag or backpack to the fair as there is not a place to safely keep those items.

If you received contact information from a company representative, send them an email following your conversation. Reintroduce yourself (remember, they will chat with many students at the fair) and thank them for their time. Use your notes to recall something that you discussed or enjoyed about the conversation, and let them know you’re interested in moving to the next step in the process.

For more tips to help you prepare for career fairs, check out weekly programs and workshops from Career Services.

Watch a 10-minute video produced by the Engineering Career Services team about preparing for and attending a career and internship fair.

Resources for Virtual Fairs

Want to know more about how to prep for and participate in a virtual career fair? Check out these helpful links: