Get Career Fair Ready!

A line of students waiting to enter the Gordon Field House for a career fair.
 

Get Career Fair Ready!

Confidence is key in conquering the career fair, and we're here to help. Use these resources to prepare for the big day and make an appointment with your career services coordinator if you have additional questions. 

Career Fair Guide

Before the Fair

  • Update your resume and print copies
  • Research employers attending and see programs they're hiring in Career Connect
  • Apply for jobs you’re interested in on Career Connect
  • Prepare questions to ask employers
  • Prepare your elevator pitch
  • Practice mock interviewing
  • Attend Career Services workshops and employer information sessions
  • Pick out your professional outfit
  • Plan your strategy – view the career fair map in Career Connect
  • Get ready for check-in

During the Fair

  • Dress professionally and wear comfortable shoes
  • Bring your RIT ID and leave bags at home for a quick check-in
  • Bring a portfolio or folder to carry copies of your resume, notes, business cards, employer literature, etc.
  • Use your elevator pitch to introduce yourself to employers
  • Collect employer business cards
  • Learn the next steps in the recruiters' hiring process
  • Make notes to remember important details
  • Explore your options – speak with employers you may not have considered
  • Make the most of your wait in line – read literature from employer tables
  • Listen to your body – take a snack and water break

After the Fair

  • Attend Interview Day only if invited
  • Send thank you emails to employers you’re interested in
  • Be patient as recruiters attend many career fairs
  • Make a follow-up call a week to 10 days after the event
  • Contact Career Services if you have lost a business card for contact information
  • Meet with your career services coordinator for assistance with job offers and salary negotiations

Career Fair Jobs

Log in to Career Connect or download the Symplicity Jobs and Careers app (Apple, Android) to apply for jobs with employers attending the career fair. Get ahead of the competition and show employers your interest beforehand.

Resume Reviews

Several resume review events are held across campus before the University-Wide Career Fair. This is a great opportunity to have your resume reviewed and career fair questions answered by a Career Services coordinator. Check Career Connect, the Symplicity Jobs and Careers app (Apple, Android), or our social media for locations and dates.

If you cannot attend, stop by drop-in advising at Bausch & Lomb Center or schedule an appointment with your Career Services coordinator for a quick resume review.

Elevator Pitch

An elevator pitch is a 60-second or less introduction that quickly explains who you are, your expertise/goals, and your interest in the employer. This was the number one tip employers said students should have for a career fair. 

Meet with your Career Services coordinator to practice your pitch before the fair.

Attend the Career Fair Prep workshops on Monday, Sept. 23, in Campus Center 2610/2650: Q&A with Career Fair Employers from 4-5 p.m., followed by Elevator Pitch Practice from 5-6 p.m.

Piece your pitch together:

Hi, my name is Jane and I am a third-year marketing student at RIT's Saunders College of Business. 

I am starting my search for a co-op or internship experience that will help me build upon my experiences in social media management and B2C selling.

I love fashion and thrifting. I wanted to start my own business to combine my passions with what I'm learning in class. I have been able to grow my social media engagement by 50% over the last year and have turned a profit of $5,500.

I am interested in your organization because of its focus on B2C marketing and how you're able to garner attention over multiple demographics.

I've applied to your summer co-op position and would love the opportunity to discuss my qualifications for this role.

University-Wide Career Fair Check-in

  • Bring your RIT ID.
  • Leave bags at home for a quick check-in through metal detectors – SLC lockers are closed on career fair day.
  • Leave your car at home and take the shuttle – The campus shuttle will drop off at Lot F and Lot D near the Field House. Overflow parking is available in Lot B, with a continuous shuttle loop to Gordon Field House from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
  • Check-in begins at 9:30 a.m. Gordon Field House floor opens at 10 a.m. Enter on the SLC/Quarter Mile or upper entrance.