Perfect your pitch
Perfect a quick elevator pitch before the career fair. Elevator pitches, which range from 30 seconds to a minute, are a brief introduction of yourself.
“An elevator pitch consists of information regarding a student’s studies, their previous work experiences, and campus involvement,” said Sosa. She suggests that students research ahead of time to see what employers are going to be at the career fair and create specific questions for each company representative they plan to speak with.
Appointments are available for students to practice their elevator pitches and interviewing tactics with a member of the Career and Professional Development staff.
Update your resume
Resumes should be updated and polished prior to attending a career fair. Make sure all information is accurate, current, and typo-free. Find information regarding resume formatting and content. In-person and Zoom appointments with the Career and Professional Development staff are available for resume reviews and support.
Project positive body language
Present yourself positively and in a professional manner with a strong handshake, good posture, and a confident tone of voice. Practice your introduction in front of a mirror or with a friend beforehand.
Sosa advises students to present themselves in a friendly manner, make sure they are actively listening to the recruiter they are speaking to, and to be themselves.
Alleviate jitters
“Preparing adequately for a career fair can help tremendously with reducing stress,” said Sosa. To help alleviate career fair jitters, Sosa recommends first going to an employer that feels a little lower stakes. That way, when a student gets to an employer that they are really excited to speak to, they have already built their confidence a bit.
Break the ice
Because the recruiters at career fairs know you’re nervous, try starting up a little bit of a conversation with them. Sosa recommends asking them about their travels to Blacksburg, how their day has been, and if they’re a Virginia Tech alumni. This can help break the ice and start a natural conversation.
Written by Anja Hemesath, a senior and a student writer for Virginia Tech Communications and Marketing