Career Fairs

About in-person Fairs

Career fairs are a chance for OSU students to meet with businesses and organizations who are interested in hiring Oregon State students. Instead of spending hours trying to set up separate meetings with potential employers, you can come to one event and interact with multiple potential job leads.

Career fairs typically include employers offering part-time, full-time, and internship opportunities. Even if you're not ready to launch into a post-graduation career, these events are a good chance to start making connections and researching possibilities.

Tips for making the most of in-person Career Fairs

1. Plan ahead

• Use your Oregon State email to log in to Handshake and click on "Events" at the top to see all upcoming career-related events at Oregon State. Use the "Career Fairs" filter to see just upcoming career fairs. Click on the name of a fair you're interested in to see details like which employers or organizations are attending.
• Register for the fairs you want to attend Handshake so you can receive event updates and details, and mark your calendar so you don't forget!

2. Prepare your resume

• Use Vmock for a virtual resume review in advance of the fair, look at the resume tips in our Career Guide, or come to the Career Development Center for a drop-in resume review appointment with a career assistant.
• Once your resume is ready, print at least 10 copies to share with organizations at the fair.

3. Do your homework

• Research the employers, agencies, or non-profits planning to attend the fair. Find organizations or positions you are interested in, and learn more about what they do. (Tip: this helps you have informed conversations with them at the event -- it's a good way to stand out from other candidates!)
• Practice a short "elevator pitch" about yourself -- be prepared to tell employers who you are, what you do, and why you're there.

4. Meet and greet

• Smile and greet the representatives at the event with confidence, but wait your turn to speak.
• Introduce yourself and ask well-informed questions.
• Remember the importance of a first impression; dress and present yourself for the position/organization you want. This may vary from industry to industry -- if you're not sure what appropriate attire would look like, reach out to the Career Advisor for your major for advice. You can also check out our online guide to Dressing for an Interview.
• Offer to leave your resume with them and get their contact information.

5. Make a move

• Within 48 hours of the fair, send an email or call employers you made a connection with. Thank them for their time and reiterate what you discussed at the fair.
• Make your message personal and unique to them and their organization, and try to set up a next step (company tour, informational interview, volunteering, application).