Virtual job fairs and recruiting events are becoming common for many employers and industries. Virtual events are a great way to engage with employers who may not travel to the University of Tennessee campus, find more opportunities, and enhance your network. You can find many virtual job fairs and networking events on Handshake by filtering the event search for “Virtual Sessions.”
Tips for Success
View the employers who will be attending
- Search employers by location, position type (full-time, internship), and major
- Learn about the organization, available positions, and what time they will available to chat
- Make a list of employers you want to connect with and times they are available
Test your equipment
- Update Flash and Java, ensure your mic and webcam work properly, and test your internet connection
- Make sure you are using an updated version of Chrome or Firefox browsers
Prepare your space
- If you are video chatting, make sure you are in a clean, quiet place. Tell your family or roommates when you are attending the virtual fair to limit distractions
Review your resume
- See Center for Career Development & Academic Exploration resume resources here
- Make an appointment on Handshake to have your resume reviewed
- Save your resume as a PDF to your desktop so it is easy to find if an employer asks for it
Visit chat rooms with the employers on your list
- Tell recruiters about your skills, experience, and interests
- Ask informed questions
Take notes and save contact information
Maintain professionalism
- Avoid using any emojis or chat-speech like “LOL” or “OMG”
- If you are utilizing video chat, make sure you are dressed professionally
Follow up
- Connect with recruiters you met on LinkedIn
- Send a thank you email if you receive contact information
- Apply to any positions you are interested in
Resources
Short Video Tutorial for Attending the SEC/ACC Virtual Career Fair
How to Rock a Virtual Job Fair Article via CareerCast
Virtual Job Fair Channel via Candid Career