Student Information

Career Fairs are excellent opportunities to explore potential internship and career opportunities. Even if you’re not currently seeking a position, attend career fairs to build relationships by networking with employers.

• Career Fair FAQs 
• Tips for Students
  • Details
    • Make sure you plan how you will get to the career fair. Will you walk, drive, or take CyRide?
      • On the day of the career fair, CyRide #23 Orange will make an extra stop near Hilton Coliseum.
    • Visit the Career Fair Resources page to find a map of the fair and review the layout of the career fair ahead of time so you can plan your route.
    • Always allow enough time with your class or work schedule to attend so you are not rushed.
  • Research
    • Create a personalized list of companies and organizations that are recruiting in your area of interest and the type of position got which you are looking (internship or full-time). This will allow you to plan and research the organizations you’d like to visit at the career fairs. For a list of organizations attending the career fairs:
      • Log into your CyHire account, go to ‘Attend Events’, click on the name of the career fair you are attending, use the advanced search to find organizations based on your major or area of interest.
  • Prepare Your Resume
    • Attend a career services workshop on creating an effective resume.
    • Make an appointment to have your resume reviewed by the staff in LAS Career Services.
    • Bring at least 15-20 resumes to the career fair.
    • Use a professional folder (padfolio) to carry your resumes and notes. You can checkout a padfolio from LAS Career Services.
  • Dress Professionally
    • First impressions are important  – plan your professional attire ahead of time.
    • In order to maintain the professionalism of these events and make the most positive impression, the
      following attire is strongly encouraged for all attendees: Business professional or business casual dress is
      appropriate and includes business suits, slacks, dress shirts, ties, blouses, polos, khakis, and knee-length or
      longer skirts. Jeans, shorts, sweatshirts, and t-shirts should not be worn.
  • Introduce Yourself
    • Engaging effectively with organizations at the career fair makes a positive impression. Practice how you introduce
      yourself with a firm handshake. Be open-minded! Consider speaking with organizations in which you might not
      normally be interested.
    • Example: “Hello, my name is ___________ and I will be graduating from ISU in ___year ___with a degree in
      __________.” (Smile, shake hands, pause) “I am looking for a position in the area of ____________.” OR “ I
      want to talk with you because…”
  • Prepare Questions
    • • “I saw on your website that your organization ______ (new initiative or unique fact)”
      • “I’m looking for opportunities in…”
      • “I was particularly interested in your organization because of ______” (something you discovered in your research)
      • “What do you look for in candidates?”
      • “What could I do now to be prepared for future opportunities at your organization?”
      • “What do you like about working at ______?”
  • Follow Up to Stand Out
    • Ask for the recruiter’s business card and inquire as to how you should best follow up
    • Send a thank-you email within 48 hours following the career fair and take any steps recommended by the
      recruiter
    •  Express gratitude and remind them of your interest