Walking into (or logging onto) a job fair can be incredibly intimidating. While having a wide variety of companies to meet with is great, it can be overwhelming. The crowds of fellow job seekers highlight just how many people are competing for the same position. Being repeatedly asked questions about your strengths, weaknesses, and goals can make even the most self-assured person second guess themselves. However, these discomforts are exactly what make these events valuable resources for job seekers. Being able to meet with multiple companies in one place at one time is incredibly efficient, and those difficult conversations help you hone your story and message, improving your presentation each time you deliver answers.
To mitigate some of the anxiety and capitalize on the power of job fairs, consider these tips for making the most of your attendance.
- Do your research. Find out what companies are exhibiting at the fair and choose the ones you want to meet. Then visit their websites to get a sense of what job openings they have, develop a better understanding of their culture, and get up to speed on their latest news. All of this information will help you have a more productive conversation, as you can ask specific questions and reference information you've learned about the company. This preparation will speak to how you approach tasks and make you stand out as a candidate who takes work seriously and comes prepared.
- Pull out the paper. Although we live in a digital-first world, it's still a good idea to bring a hard copy of your resume when meeting people in person. This allows them to quickly skim your qualifications and background while also serving as a reminder of you after the event. You should also bring a notebook and pen to take notes. This will help you remember conversations and action items, as well as highlight your organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Create an elevator pitch. Everyone you meet will say, "Tell me about yourself," and ask what you are looking for. Develop and practice a quick (30-second to one-minute) answer. Being comfortable with your general pitch will help you ease into more specific conversations.
- Follow up. After the event, send thank-you notes or 'nice to meet you' messages to people you spoke with. Highlight key points from your discussion and ask about next steps. Also, make sure to find the people you met on LinkedIn and follow them and their company to maintain a connection.
Now that you're feeling more prepared to take on a job fair, pick one that fits your career aspirations.
- reStartEvents DC metro & Beyond All-Clearances Virtual Career Fair (March 27, 2025; virtual) - Explore hundreds of career opportunities. Chat with hiring managers & recruiters from some of the nation's leading defense contractors--all from the comfort and safety of your home or office.
- All Clearances Cleared Job Fair (April 3, 2025; Falls Church, VA) - Whether you're between contracts, transitioning out of the military or government, or just casually looking around, this in-person event provides access to companies looking for cleared individuals.
- Military Hiring Conference - San Diego, CA (May 18-19, 2025; San Diego, CA) - This event includes a full day of interview preparation, briefings on the interviewing companies and available positions, and an opportunity to network with other job seekers as well as the client companies. Day two features individual interviews with hiring managers in a private and professional setting. These events are held multiple times per year, with an East Coast event in Norfolk, VA.
Explore more job fair options at GovEvents.
