Career Fairs
Fall Networking Social | Oct 17, 2024, 11:30am
PUB, Room 317/319
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Presentation: The Intersection of First-Gen Students and Career Readiness | Mon, Oct 21, 2024
PUB – NCR
Staff/Faculty Workshop: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM (PUB 317)
Keynote Presentation: 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM (PUB NCR)
Student Workshop: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM (PUB 317)
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Fall Career Fair | Oct 24, 2024, 11:00am – 3:00pm
EWU Cheney Campus – Phase 1 – Fieldhouse
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SuitUp! 2025 | February 5, 2025
Northtown JCPenney
4:00pm
Winter Career Fair | Feb12, 2025, 11:00am – 3:00pm
PUB – NCR
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FUSE Career Fair | April 2, 2025, 2:00pm – 6:00pm
Spokane Convention Center
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Spring Etiquette Dinner | April 16, 2025, 5:00pm – 7:00pm
EWU Cheney Campus – Hargreaves 201
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Summer Job and Internship Fair | May 28, 2025, 11:00am – 3:00pm
PUB – NCR
Learn More
Career Fair Tips
Before the Career Fair
We often plan professional development events strategially ahead of Career Fairs to help you prepare. These events often include resume help, interview skill building, and networking opportunities.
Visit our events page or check out the events section of Handshake.
The following resources are available to help you update your resume.
Check what companies will be at the fair and research your top choices by reviewing their website, news stories, press releases, and social media pages.
The employer list can be found in the event details in Handshake. At a minimum, you should know what the company does before you talk to them.
Note: Companies hire for many different positions, not just positions directly associated with their services. For example, Hospitals and Schools need IT, HR, Social Workers, and Communications Specialists, not just nurses and teachers.
Prepare good questions that exemplify your knowledge about the company.
For example, ask about current projects their company is working on, how to prepare for a job in their field, when they typically hire interns (if they’re not currently), what kinds of qualities they are looking for in their candidates, etc.
Include your name, what you’re studying, your class level, what kind of employment you’re looking for and why you’re interested in the company. Your introduction should take less than a minute.
Examples:
Hi, I’m Ana. I’m a junior in Computer Science at EWU and I’m looking for an Internship that starts this summer. You’re company really interests me because… Do you have an internship program?
Hi, my name is Samuel. I’m in my last year of the MSW program at EWU I’m looking for full-time opportunities in health organizations. This organization really interests me because… What kinds of opportunities do you have for new graduate social workers?
Some employers are prepared to interview potential candidates at the career fair or very soon after!
Attend an Interviewing Workshop if available
Review our Interviewing Resources
Dress professionally even if you are just passing through! Show these employers that your college is the right place to meet a quality group of potential candidates.
Check out our professional attire page for guidance.
At the Career Fair
Make eye contact, smile, and say hello. Shake the employer’s hand, and introduce yourself with your prepared introduction.
Ask questions about the company that aren’t readily available on their website.
For example, ask about current projects their company is working on, how to prepare for a job in their field, when they typically hire interns (if they’re not currently), what kinds of qualities they are looking for in their candidates, etc.
Never ask what their company does. That shows lack of preparation.
Employers not only look at skills related to the field, but also soft skills such as communication, stress management, confidence, and love of learning. Try to display these traits while talking to them.
Don’t monopolize the employers’ time and be respectful of others waiting to speak with them. Don’t be afraid to take their giveaways, but don’t focus too much on them. Remember to say please and thank you.
Towards the end of the conversation, ask if you can offer them your resume or if they prefer that you apply online. Ask for a business card so you can follow up with them after the fair and/or connect with them on LinkedIn.
After the Career Fair
Sending a thank you note or email after the fair is a good opportunity to remind employers of your interest & skills. Check spelling, grammar, and tone before sending! Staying connected on LinkedIn if you have an up to date profile is a great idea too.
Apply to positions at organizations you found interesting.
Attending a Virtual Career Fair?
Here Are 10 Tips You Need to Know. Your guide to preparing for virtual career fairs and making a great impression with recruiters. – Learn More
Navigating Virtual Career Fairs on Handshake
Handshake’s Guide to Attending a Virtual Fair (Goes over the student process of finding, registering, and participating in a virtual fair on Handshake). Learn More
Video Example of a Virtual Career Fair “Session” with an employer (the student view starts at 5 minutes and 55 seconds if you want to skip ahead) – Click Here
Though this covers individual sessions, the group sessions are very similar to this but include more students.
Participating in “Sessions” Article – Click Here
Handshake Video Requirements & Troubleshooting (Students) – Click Here
