Job & Internship Fair Preparation

Not everyone knows how to approach a career expo or fair, we want to change that. Below are some helpful tips, events, and insights on what to do and how to approach the fair.

Click on some of the areas we've highlighted below to learn more.

Resume Help

Most organizations and companies coming to the fairs will want to take a look at your resume as a quick reference and conversation starter. Furthermore, most positions you’ll be applying for will require a resume. Time to get that thing in tip-top shape! See the below events and resources to get it looking great!

Resume Labs
Get real-time, personalized help. Click the link to learn more and register or search Resume Labs on Handshake (umich.joinhandshake.com).
vmock.com/michigan
Smart and instant feedback on your resume 24/7. Up to 10 uploads for all undergraduate students. 
Sample Resumes & Action-words
Check out sample resumes, action-words, and a strategy on how to write an awesome bullet-point.
 

Find Employers & Organizations

There is great diversity in the types of companies and positions at the Job & Internship Fair. Don't miss out on who to go talk to and do some research on who is coming.

Use Handshake to access employers, events, and fairs
Check out the list of events, employers, and fairs on Handshake.
TIP: Try focusing on 5 - 10 organizations that most appeal to you. Have a purpose for going to talk to them. We recommend spending at least 10-minutes each day on researching the employers before the fair or event.
 

Elevator Pitch & Strategy

What is the best way to approach an employer? What do I say?

Elevator Pitch

Think about an elevator pitch as a 30-45 second introduction of yourself. Don't include everything, rather use it as a way to pull them in and engage them in a conversation. Talking about the most relevant experience and skills should be the focus.

When outlining what you’ll talk about using this four-step approach:

  1. Current and past
    • Who are you, what do you do, what’s your expertise, and what have you done in the past?
  2. Why should they care?
    • Based on your research and what you know about them, why should they care about your experience? This is your chance to show off some knowledge and expertise that demonstrates your interest and connection with the positions or company.
  3. Your purpose
    • What do you want and why are you talking to them?
    • Is there a specific posting on Handshake?
    • What about them made you want to talk to them?
  4. Finish with asking an open-ended question.
    • For example: could you tell me about a project that interns have worked on in the past?

Elevator Pitch Videos

TIP: This is also a great way to answer the “tell me about yourself…” question during interviews or networking events.

 

Strategy | The 3Rs

When preparing yourself for talking to employers/recruiters try to use this as a framework for getting ready:

Research

Take time to get to know the organization/employer you're going to talk to. Read over their profile, if they have a position posted to get to know what you'll be doing. This will show the recruiters that you are engaged and have done some preparation.

Reflect

Based on the research you've done, what about that organization or position interests you most? What questions that are important that you get answered? How well do you know yourself? Recruiters are very interested in how well you know yourself and the organization/position. Take some time to reflect on your experience at UM, student organizations, etc.

Rehearse

Finally, practice your elevator pitch (a 30 to 45-second introduction to you). It can seem a little odd to practice an elevator pitch. That's normal. I would grab a friend or record yourself on video or audio to get some quick immediate feedback. See below for tips on an elevator pitch.

Additional strategies:

Job and Internship Fair Prep Workshop - Recording