How do I carry my resume to a career fair?

Asked by: Beth Feeney PhD  |  Last update: September 13, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (24 votes)

Bring a notebook or printouts with info about the employers you're planning to meet. And bring several hard copies of your resume. Get the contact information of the people you talk to so you can follow up after the fair.

How to carry resumes at a career fair?

Flat out don't accept paper resumes, but at the same time, make submitting their resume stupidly easy online. Post a QR code at your table that either links directly to the online submission form or your email. Hand out business cards with your email if they don't have a device so they can send it later.

Should you print out your resume for career fairs?

You should absolutely print them out. The recruiters aren't necessarily going to be handing out their email addresses, and it's common for them to make notes on the physical copy of your resume to indicate whether you are a good candidate for an interview.

Should you staple a resume for a job fair?

However, if you are submitting a hard copy of your resume in person, such as during a job fair or informational interview, it is generally recommended to use a paper clip, rather than a staple.

Should I bring my resume to a college fair?

Yes, bring a bunch of copies of your resume. It'll be some crowded areas, so you won't look weird by just standing back and looking a bit - watch a few tables and see how the employers interact with students to decide which you'd really just rather not talk to, then go visit with the ones you want.

Prepare for Job Fair - STAND OUT by doing this!

17 related questions found

Should I apply online before a career fair?

Yes! We may be in the digital age, but personal connection still matters. Recruiters will still want to evaluate your social skills and how well you communicate. For career fair success, do your research and apply online before the event.

How many copies of my resume should I bring to an interview?

1. Copies of your resume. Bring at least five resume copies . Keep them in a separate folder or professional folio so they don't bend or wrinkle and are easy to access.

How many copies of a resume should I bring to a career fair?

Depending on the size of the recruiting fair, you will need 20-40 copies of your resume. A good rule of thumb is to research the fair on your Career Fair Plus app to estimate how many recruiters you want to visit, then double that number. It's better to have a few too many copies of your resume than not enough.

What not to say at a job fair?

Don't say things that center around your personal goals:

I'm looking for a job in a specific location.” “I'm looking for a job with a minimum salary and benefits.” “I'm looking for a job that will give me enough free time to pursue my personal interests.”

What is a hard copy of a resume?

Hard copy vs. soft copy. While a soft copy of your resume is a digital version, a hard copy is a physical, or printed, version. You can either mail a printed resume to an employer or hand it to a recruiter at a job fair . Another version of a hard copy is when you send your resume via a fax machine.

What are the disadvantages of career fairs?

Career fairs are tough because thousands or hundreds of people attend and sometimes they only have like a few positions and only want certain types of people. And sometimes you just dont fit the role they are looking for or don't quite have enough experience.

What bag to bring to a career fair?

Don't carry your backpack, large purse, or other paraphernalia with you. Carry your resume in a professional-looking portfolio or small briefcase works well. It will keep your resume neat and handy, and gives you a place to file business cards of recruiters that you meet.

What should I carry my resume in?

Instead of bringing in loose sheets of paper, you can store them in a resume folder. By bringing the right documents with you to a job interview and presenting them professionally, you can make a positive impression.

Should I print out my resume for a career fair?

In the days before the career fair, print enough copies of your resume for all the employers you intend to meet with, plus a few extras just in case you're able to have some additional conversations.

How many pages should a resume be?

Most resumes should be between one and two pages long.

What are you supposed to wear to a career fair?

For most Job Fairs, the appropriate style of dress is “Business Casual”. What is Business Casual? Business Casual is crisp and neat, not overly dressy, and more classic than trendy.

Do I bring my resume to a job fair?

What to Bring to a Job Fair
  • A shortlist of companies.
  • Multiple copies of your resume.
  • A notebook or a phone.
  • A list of questions to ask recruiters.
  • Your portfolio.
  • Business cards.
  • A change of clothes.

Should you take notes at a career fair?

As you're making your way through the college career fair and talking with potential employers, it's important to take notes and network with other attendees. While speaking with company representatives, there may be important bits of information you will need to recall or questions you think of and want to ask later.

How do you stand out at a job fair?

To make sure you stand out, read the Career Center's strategies and tips to get the most out of our career fair:
  1. Do Your Research. ...
  2. Dress to Impress. ...
  3. Know Your Elevator Pitch. ...
  4. Bring a Well-Polished Resume. ...
  5. First Impressions Count. ...
  6. Know What to Expect the Day Of. ...
  7. Ask the Right Questions. ...
  8. Explore Your Options.

How do I share my resume at a career fair?

Have plenty of resumes within easy reach. This shows organization and confidence - important for a good first impression. Some experts suggest having a “mini resume” on a business card, with contact information on one side and a list of your skills on the reverse. Most job fairs have websites.

Do employers look at 2 page resumes?

In the end, the length doesn't matter quite as much as the content filling the pages. If you can capture your qualifications on one page, great. But if it takes two pages or more, that's OK, too. “I've had new grads do well with two-page resumes and top executives do well with only one page,” Isaacs says.

Do you get interviewed at a career fair?

While on-the-spot job interviews aren't guaranteed, they can happen. Be prepared to do a short interview if an employer asks. Before entering the fair, make time to think about your responses to common interview questions .

How many resume copies to bring to a career fair?

All you will need is a small purse or simply a folder to hold your resumes (at least 20 copies) and any other information you may want to store, such as paper for notes or business cards. Bag check is available for students with large backpacks. Skip the line by leaving your bag at home or carrying light!

How to answer tell me about yourself?

The best way to answer "Tell me about yourself" is with a brief highlight-summary of your experience, your education, the value you bring to an employer, and the reason you're looking forward to learning more about this next job and the opportunity to work with them.

What type of folder to put a resume in?

Choose a portfolio folder with distinct pockets or flaps where you can slide in business cards, your resume, a pen, and a legal pad for taking notes or contact information.