Student Experience

5 tips to make the most of a career fair

Editor’s note: Due to weather conditions and employer travel considerations, the UVA Spring Job and Internship Career Fair has been consolidated into a single day. The fair will take place Thursday, Jan. 29.

The Class of 2025 is facing a more challenging job market than in recent years. According to a National Association of Colleges and Employers' student survey, 2025 graduates started their job search earlier – 6.4 months before graduation compared to six months for the Class of 2024 – and submitted more applications, yet received fewer job offers.

Michelle Ball is the director of career communities at the UVA Career Center, leading connected groups of students, alumni, faculty and staff that provide industry-specific resources and programs. (Contributed photo)

The University of Virginia’s Spring Job and Internship Career Fair offers students a prime opportunity to connect with employers across all industries. The two-day event will take place Wednesday and Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day, in the Newcomb Hall Ballroom.

Day 1 features organizations hiring in business, finance, consulting, communications, data analytics and technology, while Day 2 showcases employers recruiting for engineering, computer science, biotechnology and environmental science.

Students can register and explore the employers attending the fair through Handshake.

UVA Today turned to Michelle Ball, the Career Center’s director of career communities, to ask how students can prepare to turn a brief conversation into a job or internship offer.

1. Craft an elevator pitch

An elevator pitch is a brief, compelling introduction, summarizing who you are, what you do and what you’re looking for in about 30 seconds to a minute (about the length of an elevator ride).

“It allows the employer to know a little more about your interests and experience, and how you may fit in with their organization,” Ball said. “This makes you stand out from other applicants and allows you to have a deeper and more productive networking conversation.”

Ball recommends a simple structure: who you are, what you’re interested in, a few quick highlights of experience or academic work, and a question for the employer.

“You don't have to perfectly memorize your pitch,” she added. “Be genuine and think about your goals and what you know about the organization.”

Illustration of a resume with an A plus and a checkmark

2. Perfect your resume

Your resume creates the first impression, so ensure it’s updated with your latest experiences, skills and achievements. Tailor it to highlight the skills most relevant to your target positions and bring physical copies to the fair.

Two of the biggest mistakes Ball sees in resumes are not proofreading and not considering the audience. “Consider what roles or experiences you would talk about in an interview for a particular role, and tailor your resume to expand on those experiences more than older or less relevant ones.”

She also reminds students that experience comes in many forms. “Volunteering, student clubs and academic projects are all things you can put on your resume.”

3. Dress for success

Wear business professional or business casual attire – think a button-down shirt or blouse with dress pants or a skirt or add a blazer or suit jacket.

“A professional appearance shows that you’re serious about the role and that you’ve prepared for the event,” Ball said. “First impressions matter.”

While a full suit isn’t always necessary, Ball notes professional expectations vary by industry. “Professional attire is expected in many industries, such as finance, but more casual attire may be appropriate for a startup environment. Business casual leaves a much better impression than sweatpants.”

Don’t have professional attire? The Cavalier Career Closet provides professional clothing free of charge for students. Ready-to-wear pieces are located in the Student Activities Center. Student Council also partners with My Career Closet to provide free, custom-fit suits for all genders.

4. Research employers

Before the fair, review the list of participating employers in Handshake. Identify companies you’re most interested in and research their missions, values, organizational structures and company cultures. Look at the companies' websites, read recent news and review current job postings.

“Do your research on the companies you are interested in ahead of time, so you can ask questions about specific things you notice,” Ball advised. “Knowing what the company does allows you to have a much more thoughtful conversation than if your first question is ‘Do you have any internships?’ without any understanding of the work you could be doing.”

5. Prepare thoughtful questions

Put your research into action by asking recruiters questions that show you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in their organization.

“Ask things you genuinely want to know, but aren’t easily Google-able,” Ball said.

She suggests asking about aspects of the role you genuinely want to know, like who you might work with, example projects, what the recruiter’s experience has been like at the organization or what makes an applicant stand out.

With preparation, students can turn a brief encounter into a professional opportunity.