Before Career Fair
Resume: Create a resume, and print it out and take copies of it to the fair. Give your resume out only when asked for it!
Research: Research who will be attending. Make a game plan of companies you know you want to talk.
Outfit: Pick out a business casual or professional outfit (pay close attention to the expressed dress code) the night before so you don't rush to figure it out the day of the event. Make sure it is ironed!
Folder: Bring some kind of folder or padfolio to put your resumes in and for you to hold business cards or materials you receive throughout the fair. Bring a pen and write on each business card to remind yourself who you talked to!
During Career Fair
Introductions: Introduce yourself with a firm handshake, and practice your elevator pitch!
Who: Know who you are talking to. If you are reaching out to a specific company or organization, know what you like about that organization!
Stand out: Walk up to recruiters by yourself. This will allow you individual attention and you will not have to be worried about getting lost in a group.
Connections: Make personal connections. Ask questions, where they attended college, what was their career path, favorite thing about their job, etc. Making a connection will make you more memorable.
After Career Fair
Thank you: Send out thank you email within 24 hours after the career fair. Your name will be fresh in their minds and it also shows that you care. Thank them for talking with you during the event; make sure you point out details from the conversation, and remind them of who you are and what you want from them.
Notes: Keep detailed notes about who you made contact with, for what position, and at what time. You will know who you need to follow up with if you do not get a response.
Advice: if you received any advice or criticism , address it. If a recruiter told you that you need to take a specific class to have a specific skill like photoshop or Final Cut Pro, etc. - take a class. They advised you to do something for a reason!