Are you unsure how to get ready for the upcoming Career Fair? Between updating your résumé, practicing what to say, and deciding what to wear, it can feel overwhelming. The good news is that with some preparation—and by using resources from the Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills, such as 12twenty, Quinncia, and the Iris Air photobooth—you’ll be set to make a strong impression.
Research Employers in Advance through 12twenty
12twenty is UConn’s career platform that makes it easy to see who’s coming to the Career Fair. After selecting the event, click on the Employers tab to view the full list. From there, you can learn more about each company and start building a target list of organizations you want to meet.
- Under the “Employers” tab, you can view the full list of participating employers and use filters on the left side of the screen to narrow your search. You can filter by company name, industry, job type, metro area, and more.
- You can see which fair(s) each employer is attending in their employer details.
- Research job openings, company websites, and LinkedIn profiles by clicking on each employer’s name.
Doing this research in advance allows you to prepare questions and make a strong impression when you meet recruiters.
Update and Review Your Résumé
Your résumé is often the first impression you make. Update it with your most recent experiences, and be sure it reflects the roles you’re interested in. UConn offers Quinncia, an on-demand résumé review tool that provides instant feedback on formatting, clarity, and ATS compatibility. Use Quinncia’s suggestions to refine your résumé and then print multiple copies to bring with you.
Make a Professional Impression Online
In today’s job market, your online presence is just as important as your in-person interactions. Update your LinkedIn profile so it’s polished and consistent with your résumé. If you need a professional headshot and are on the Storrs campus, stop by the Iris Air photobooth, located at the Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills office in Wilbur Cross. The booth allows you to take free, studio-quality headshots in minutes perfect for refreshing your LinkedIn and networking profiles. If you are on a regional campus, you can stop by your Career Center office and they will assist you with your headshot.
Practice Your Pitch
Recruiters will often begin with: “Tell me about yourself.” Preparing a short elevator pitch ahead of time can make this moment feel less intimidating. Focus on your name, major, graduation year, career interests, and one or two highlights (such as an internship, leadership role, or project). Practicing your pitch until it feels natural will help you start conversations with confidence. For tips and an example, check out this short video on how to construct an elevator pitch.
Dress for Success
Your outfit communicates professionalism before you even speak. Choose attire that makes you feel confident and aligns with the expectations of your industry. Business formal is a safe choice, but smart casual may be appropriate depending on your career path. For guidance on putting together the right look, check out UConn’s Workplace Attire Guide.
During the Fair
When you arrive, start by locating your target employers—grabbing a map can help you navigate the space efficiently. As you engage with recruiters, ask thoughtful, company-specific and job-specific questions that demonstrate your interest and preparation. Some employers may accept paper résumés, while others will direct you to apply online, so be ready for both. Don’t forget to ask for business cards or connect with recruiters on LinkedIn so you can continue the conversation after the fair.
Follow Up Afterward
The Career Fair doesn’t end when you leave the building. Within 24–48 hours, email thank-you notes to the recruiters you spoke with. Mention something specific from your conversation to help them remember you. Keep checking 12twenty for open positions, application deadlines, and updates from employers you connected with. Following up shows professionalism and keeps the momentum going.
Quick Career Fair Checklist
- Research employers on 12twenty
- Prepare thoughtful questions
- Update résumé (review with Quinncia) and print copies
- Practice your elevator pitch
- Select professional attire (Workplace Attire Guide)
- Update LinkedIn (new headshot from Iris Air)
- Collect recruiter contacts during the fair
- Send personalized thank-you emails
Final Thoughts
Career Fairs can feel overwhelming, but preparation makes all the difference. By researching employers, updating your résumé, practicing your introduction, and taking advantage of UConn resources like 12twenty, Quinncia, and Iris Air, you’ll be ready to make a strong impression and open doors to new opportunities.
For more resources and support, visit the Center for Career Readiness & Life Skills.
