Are spring virtual career fairs worth it?

My short answer is yes. Whether or not it is worth it to attend depends on how you approach it.

If there is an employer attending (and you can find this out by setting up a profile on Handshake), you should register, you should find out who is representing the company and what positions they are recruiting for. Even if you don’t get an interview, you are still gaining contacts.

Handshake is one of the most important tools for campus recruiting. Parents make sure your kids have a profile!

The benefits of attending:

• You’ll network with recruiters and professionals in your industry.

• You can learn about job openings.

• You’ll get experience interviewing.

• You can receive general career and job-search advice.

• You’ll learn more about your chosen or prospective industry.

Virtual career fairs might be hard to navigate and find the right opportunities, that is why it is essential you find out which employers are attending in advance and prepare in advance.

How to stand out at a virtual career fair:

Research in advance

After you see what companies are coming, spend some time on their website learning about the company, the industry, products, values, etc. Spend some time on LinkedIn to see if you have any connections at that company to see if you can learn more about what the company looks for in a prospective employee.

**Bonus tip: if you can find the names of the recruiters/representatives coming to campus, reach out to them on LinkedIn and write them a note to let them know you are excited to meet them.

Prepare your elevator pitch

What type of position are you looking for? You need to be able to articulate this clearly and concisely.

Follow up with prospective employers

Make sure to have the contact information of the recruiter or company representative. Absolutely follow up by email or LinkedIn with a note to express interest and ask any follow up questions. This one is key to stand out from the crowd.

**Bonus tip: if you were not able to find out a contact person at the company, reach out to the career center representative and ask them if they can provide it. Career center representatives are the liaisons with campus recruiters, they can help.

If you are concerned your students are not prepared for their job search, we can support them in the career search process. We offer resources, accountability, coaching and positive encouragement. We help you preserve your relationship with your student during this stressful time.

We are here to help!

Here are some of the upcoming career fairs at your student’s university:

January 27^th

The Ohio State University Virtual Spring Career Fair 2021

February 9^th

University of Illinois Virtual Spring Career Fair 2021

February 11^th

Gies School of Business Virtual Career Fair 2021

February 10^th & 11^th

University of Wisconsin Virtual Spring Career Fair 2021

February 12^th

University of Michigan Virtual Spring Career Fair 2021