How to Prepare for the In-Person Job and Internship Fair

Success at a job and internship fair requires preparation. You’ll need a top-quality resume, knowledge about the employers attending the fair, a game plan for your day, and, of course, your professional attire! Utilize our resources below to prepare for the Fall 2023 Job and Internship Fair, happening on Wednesday, Sept. 13 from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Events Center. Student registration for this fair will open on August 23.

1. Register

It is recommended that you register in advance for the Job and Internship Fairs. However, registration is not required for the in-person fairs and you may still attend even if you have not registered. You are not expected to attend the entire time–just what works for your schedule. Please also remember to bring your student ID to the in-person fair as it will be needed for check-in.

2. Update your resume/CV and hireBING account

Your resume or CV needs to be top-notch! You can use samples from the Fleishman Center’s Career Guide as reference, or download editable templates from our website. Meet with a Fleishman Center staff member by scheduling an appointment in hireBING for feedback.

Additionally, please make sure your hireBING account is updated with your correct name, major and class year during the week of the fair. All attendees will have name tags printed upon check-in and your name tag will automatically print with the information on your hireBING account.

3. Get ready to make a strong first impression

It’s important to make a strong and professional first impression when connecting with employers. The following tips will help you to stand out when meeting a recruiter for the first time:

  • Prepare professional attire. It is recommended that students wear business casual at minimum. If you do not have professional clothing, the JCPenney Suit-Up will allow Binghamton students, staff, and alumni to purchase professional clothing with an exclusive discount. The Fall 2023 Suit-Up dates will be released soon.
  • Print out copies of your resume or CV and have then in a folder or padfolio.
  • Practice what you will say to employers aloud with friends, family, or a Fleishman staff member. This will help you speak more confidently at the fair.

4. Do your research on employers

Make sure you research the organizations you are interested in meeting with in advance and check to see if they have positions already posted in hireBING. Identify their needs and figure out how you meet those needs! Make sure you have a few questions prepared to ask recruiters as well. Our lists of attending employers will be released in early September, so remember to look through this list to see who will be present at the fair so you can do research in advance on organizations you are interested in meeting with. When you arrive at the fair, you can utilize the Handshake app on your smartphone to help you find the employers you researched. The app is available for download on the App Store and the Google Play Store and will feature a map of employer booths in real time.

5. Practice your elevator pitch

This is how you will begin conversations with employers! Decide what you want to say and how you want to say it. Tips can be found in our Career Guide, and you might find it helpful to watch a video for some ideas. Practice saying your pitch out loud using Big Interview (answer the “tell me about yourself question” and review how you did!). For feedback, schedule an appointment in hireBING with a Fleishman Center staff member.

6. Schedule a career consulting appointment in hireBING

Fleishman Center staff are ready to help with anything fair-related including:

  • Determining which employers you should meet with at the fair based on your interests
  • Feedback on your 30 second commercial and tips on speaking with recruiters
  • Resume/CV reviews
  • Any fair-related question!
  • Job/Internship searching beyond the fair

7. Be confident!

If you are prepared, friendly, well-practiced, and follow up with your new connections — you’ll be well on your way to making a great impression with recruiters!

If you have questions about any Fleishman Center services or need help preparing for the job fair, please contact us at careers@binghamton.edu, or stop by our office in UU-133A!