Career Fair Tips
Fall 2025
Engineering Career Fair
In-Person: September 10th and 11th
Virtual: October 1st
Download the App to Prepare for the Fair
The Engineering Career Fair will be utilizing Career Fair Plus for the In-Person and Virtual Grainger Engineering Career Fair. Download the app to access the complete list of employers in attendance, see an interactive floor plan, review career fair tips, receive real-time updates, and drop your resume to employers of your choice!
How to Maximize Your Use of the Career Fair Plus App
Schedule "Meetings" with Employers
Want to skip the line? Check if employers are offering "meetings".
Meetings let you book a specific time slot to meet with a recruiter at the company booth you want to visit. Some employers may not be offering Meetings at in-person events. If they are, you could potentially skip the line at their booth!
Need a short video on how to book meetings? Click here!
Want to express interest in employers before the fair or did not have the time to visit their booths in person? You still get a chance to drop your resumes!
Resume Drop lets you express interest in employers by digitally sharing your profile and resume. You can use Resume Drop before, during, or even after the event, and recruiters may choose to engage with you pre-event.
Watch a speedy overview video on Resume Drop!
- Register an account with your Illinois email address
- Select the "Illinois The Grainger Engineering Fall 2024 Career Fair" Event
- Click "Employers" and find employer profiles of your interest
- Drop your resume or book meetings if available
Top 5 Career Fair Tips
- Review the Employer List & Pick Your Top 10
- Download Career Fair Plus App to review the list of employers attending the career fair
- Prioritize your time at the career fair by creating a list of employers you want to visit first.
- Research, Research, Research!
- Download and visit Handshake APP to look for employers' open positions & find out what skills they are seeking.
- Visit the employer's website to learn about their services, locations, and leaders.
- Visit the employers' social media channels to find out about recent updates and events.
- Know Your Strengths and Prove Them With Your Experiences
Use your elevator pitch to summarize your top three strengths (a mix of technical and interpersonal skills) and share a couple of experiences (including class projects, projects, and non-engineering jobs) as examples of those strengths. - Ask About the Interview Timeline
Ask the recruiter when they plan to contact students for interviews following the career fair. Knowing the employer's timeline will help you determine when it is time to follow up or when it is time to move on. - Save Recruiters' Contact Info and Keep in Touch
Remember to write down the names of the recruiters you meet. You can then connect with and follow them on LinkedIn. You can also reach out to them next semester if you are still interested and available. Watch ECS' short video on how to make following up less awkward.
Helpful Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I go to the fair?
There are many benefits for attending a career fair:
- Connect with employers if you are seeking professional experience; either a full-time or internship position
- Explore different career options if you are unsure
- Improve your networking and communication skills while connecting with employers that interest you
How many resumes should I bring to the fair?
More than the amount of employers that you hope to talk to. It's always great to have extras!
What should I wear to the fair?
- Business professional is recommended, but you do not have to wear a suit if you do not have one. You can wear a button-down, polo, or other professional top with bottoms that are nicer than jeans.
- Business casual is a also a great option - consider khakis or dress pants with a collared shirt or blouse
- If you do have a suit, wearing it can make a strong, professional impression
Am I able to bring my backpack to the fair?
Yes, there will be a designated bag-drop area. This area is not monitored; leave your bag at your own discretion. Clear bags are not required.
Where can I find the map and/or list of employers?
- Download the Career Fair Plus App
- Select the "Illinois Grainger Engineering Career Fair Virtual/In-Person" Event
- Click "Employers" & "Fair Map" tabs to access