Attend Career Events

Before the Fair Checklist

Get your resume ready

• Create or update your resume.
• Upload your resume to your Handshake profile.

Research the employers you want to connect with

Find out more about the organizations attending the fair in Handshake:  

• What is the organization’s primary mission or purpose (often found on the company website in the “About Us” section)? 
• Who are their competitors? 
• What services and products do they focus on (be knowledgeable about what they do: what they make and who they serve!)? 
• Explore the company website and follow them on Handshake and LinkedIn  
• What is their company culture (locate in the about us or culture tab on their website)? 
• Explore and consider companies that may seem unrelated to your field. They may be looking for experience and qualities that you can offer!  

All professionals need a 30-second to one-minute prepared introduction serving as a conversation starter. This can be used at networking events, interviews, and field-specific training events. We’ve prepared some tips for how to prepare an effective introduction.

Professional conversation pieces can include: 

• Who you are: name, major/minor, anticipated graduation year. 
• What you currently do: current experience, employment, relevant courses. 
• Your goals: what you hope to gain from attending the Career Fair. 
  • Discover more about employers.
  • Explore how your major connects to professional opportunities. 
  • Learn about employment opportunities. 
• Questions for employers and relevant anecdotes make conversation flow naturally and will help you stand out! This includes: 
  • Asking company reps what they like about working for the company 
  • Share what you are doing to reach your goals and what you could bring to an organization 

Check out our Dress for Success Guide for tips on career and internship fair outfits. Need professional clothes? Our Career Closet in the Link Center can help you look your best for free!

Here is what to expect at the career and internship fairs: 

• Check in at the registration table. Pick up a name tag and a fair map. 
• Stop by the student lounge to store coats and backpacks, take a minute to review notes before and between visiting employers. UW-Superior career professionals will be available if you have questions. 
• Explore the fair: plan to connect with your key employers and find their booth locations. If there is a line to an employer, take a lap and visit them later. 
• Start with visiting with an employer perhaps a further down your priority list to shake any residual nerves out. 
• Smile and chat with the employers. 
• Take notes after conversations for follow-up. 

No need to be nervous! Employers are not attending to interrogate students; employers attend to connect with students and help answer any questions students may have about their company. They WANT to meet and connect with YOU! 

• Approach employers and introduce yourself. 
• Offer a handshake if you’re comfortable.  
• Actively listen to employer’s introduction of their company. 
• Ask open-ended questions and allow the employer time to respond. 
• Respond truthfully while highlighting strengths or action steps you’ve taken to further develop yourself. 
• Inquire about active and future opportunities, typical hiring process and timelines. 
• Towards the end of the conversation, ask about the best way to keep in contact with the employer. Gather business cards. Employers also love if you select pieces of their swag giveaways so you can help spread the word about their company. 
• Take notes to help remember key details, employer rep names and any other noteworthy information.  

Review your notes on the topics of conversation, employer contact names, and how to follow up with new contacts. This may include: 

• Connecting with company representatives on LinkedIn. 
• Following organizations LinkedIn pages and social media platforms. 
• Submitting application materials to employers. 
• Sending a follow-up/thank you email. 
• Writing a thank you note.