Career Fair Prep: Set Yourself Up for Success
January 28, 2026
Recruiting events can feel overwhelming, but with a little preparation, they can become one of the most valuable parts of your college experience. Whether you are actively job or internship searching, or just starting to explore career options, showing up prepared helps you make the most of every conversation.
Here is how to get career fair ready.
Lock In the Details
First things first, confirm the date, time, and location of the event and add it to
your calendar. Make sure you have planned enough time to attend, not just to walk
through, but to actually network and talk with employers. Arriving with a plan and
without rushing makes a big difference.
Dress for Success
Professional attire helps you feel confident and makes a strong first impression. We recommend business casual to business professional dress.
Need something to wear? Stop by the Tailored Tiger Professional Clothing Closet during drop-in hours, which vary each semester. It is a great resource if you are building your professional wardrobe.
Get Your Resume Ready to Geaux
Your resume should be polished and ready to share. Before the fair:
- Run it through Quinncia, available 24/7, to catch formatting issues, typos, or areas for improvement.
- Starting from scratch? Check out our online resume resources.
- Want human feedback? Attend a group appointment or drop in to have your resume reviewed by Career Center staff.
Bring multiple copies with you. You never know how many great conversations you will have.
Research the Employers
Do a little homework ahead of time. In Handshake, you can:
- View the list of employers attending
- Learn about each organization
- See what internships or full-time roles they are recruiting for
Having a sense of who you want to talk to helps you prioritize your time and ask more thoughtful questions.
Practice Your Elevator Pitch
Yes, it can feel nerve-wracking, but recruiters expect students to be learning and
practicing.
Your elevator pitch should include:
- Your name
- Major and graduation date
- What you are looking for, such as an internship,
full-time role, or general information - A brief highlight of a relevant experience or interest
Try to end with a question to keep the conversation flowing. A little preparation goes a long way here.
What to Bring
Come prepared with:
- Copies of your resume
- A folder or padfolio to hold papers & business cards you collect
- A list of questions for employers
- Mints and any personal care items that help you feel confident
- Access to your calendar, in case a recruiter wants to schedule a follow-up
And most importantly, bring a positive attitude. It truly stands out to recruiters.
After the Fair: Do Not Skip the Follow-Up
Your work does not end when the event does. Within 24 to 48 hours, consider sending a brief thank you email or connecting on LinkedIn with recruiters you spoke with. Mention something specific from your conversation to help them remember you. Following up shows professionalism and genuine interest.
Final Tip: Give Yourself Grace
Career fairs are not just for seniors or students who have everything figured out. It is okay if conversations feel awkward or if you do not leave with a job offer. Every interaction is practice and progress.
Show up prepared, be yourself, and take advantage of the opportunity. You have got this, and we are here to help every step of the way.
Career Fair Prep Resources
TAKE A LOOK AT UPCOMING RECRUITING EVENTS
About the LSU Career Center
Our team is committed to ensuring every student has ample opportunities to gain experience, grow their network, and communicate their aptitude for a chosen career long before graduation. We believe LSU students are unparalleled in their potential to step into leadership, solve problems, and elevate the workforce for the benefit of all.