A virtual career fair is an online event where job seekers can connect with employers and recruiters to learn about job opportunities and network with other professionals in their field. It is similar to a traditional career fair, but it is conducted entirely online, using video conferencing or other virtual tools. CodePath hosts a virtual career fair as part of our annual summit each year that CodePath students are invited to attend. Virtual career fairs are becoming more and more popular as we continue to shift how we gather post-COVID.

In this section:

• What to do before the event
• What to do during the event
• How to follow up after a virtual career fair

Resources:

• CodePath branded Zoom backgrounds
• Networking Guide + Templates

Preparing for a Virtual Career Fair

Before the event

• Research the companies you are interested in connecting with: Review company websites, search for their content on LinkedIn, and search online for recent news articles and other relevant information. This will help you think of questions to ask during sessions, and make conversation during one-on-one sessions you may have.
• Identify what type of positions you are interested in: narrow down your focus to the top type of roles you are interested in pursuing so you can be intentional during the fair
• Update your LinkedIn profile: **Ensure your LinkedIn is up-to date and highlighting your relevant projects
• Prepare your elevator pitch: **Using our elevator pitch worksheet, build a brief introduction you can use during the fair and in networking interactions
• Get feedback on your interviewing skills: **Participate in Behavioral and Technical Interview Week with CodePath to prepare for interviews, if available. Review our interviewing guides to prepare questions for common interview questions.

Day of the event

• Test your technology: Test your audio/video and background before the event
• Find a neutral and quiet space: **Try to limit potential distractions for yourself and for the recruiters. Plan where you will be sitting during the event ahead of time—consider lighting and background.
• Dress professionally: Even though you won’t be meeting employers in person, you’ll want to dress professionally to make a good first impression with recruiters. Wear something you are comfortable in that will help boost your confidence.
• Be on time:  It’s very important to show up at your selected session start time. Being on time shows the recruiter or employee ambassador that you’re dependable and respectful
• Practice active listening: Consider smiling and nodding occasionally as you would during an in-person conversation. Limit any distractions around you so that you’re not tempted to look away from your computer screen.
• Ask good questions: Bring a few well-researched questions for each company. This demonstrates your professionalism and interest in the opportunity.

After the event

• Connect with company representatives on LinkedIn: Send personalized LinkedIn requests to recruiters you met during the fair.
• Follow-up with a personalized thank you message: If you received contact information, follow up with a personalized thank you email highlighting your interest in continuing to learn more about the organization/and or opportunity or letting them know that you applied to the position!
• Use networking message templates: found at bottom of this doc.