Building connections with employers, industry professionals, and recruiters (terms you’ll hear used interchangeably) can happen at career fairs and beyond. You can also engage with them through employer-hosted events, networking sessions, panels, and more.
These experiences are all about making connections, asking questions, and learning about companies that interest you—sometimes even from UF alumni!
Whether you’re exploring options or actively seeking opportunities, these events and proactively building industry connections can help you build a network and gather valuable insights for your career journey. This resource will help you learn the best strategies to engage with industry connections.
- Project enthusiasm and confidence right away – firm handshake, good eye contact, smile!
- Dress for success – when in doubt, it is better to overdress than under dress
- Be prepared with examples – share your experiences that are relevant to the company and role you are interested in
Strategies to Engage with Industry Connections at Career Fairs and Beyond
This resource will guide you through proven strategies to confidently engage with industry connections, make a positive impression, and expand your professional network. Start building connections that can support your career goals now and in the future!
Review the list of participating companies and identify those that match your interests. Learn about their mission, values, current job openings, and industry trends.
Being prepared with a strong elevator pitch is key. Use the four-step formula below to help build yours:
1. Name and Role
- Who you are, what you do, and what your goals are
- “I am a student at the University of Florida majoring in ___________. I have experience in ___________. My long term career goals surround solving problems in __________ area.”
2. Competencies and Expertise
- What are your strengths, values, skills, personal attributes, and successes? What do you know?
- “My success in [insert experience] allows me to solve problems utilizing my strengths in __________ and guiding values of __________.”
3. Who is your Target Audience?
- How can you contribute based on your research of the organization?
- “As a leader in xyz, I see that your team does __________, and I believe I can bring a fresh perspective and help you achieve __________ goals.”
4. Call to Action
- Wrap up with next steps
- “I think I am a great fit for this organization and I am excited for an opportunity to learn more your opportunities.”
Ensure your resume is polished, tailored to your interests, and ready to share. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is complete and up-to-date.
Recruiters are people too and were once in your shoes, they want to have a genuine interaction with you. Here are questions to use as conversation starters. Having prepared open-ended questions can help you relax and show the recruiter who you genuinely are through a conversation. Open-Ended Questions:
- What is something that you are really curious about? Or something new you learned recently?
- How did you get started in your field? What motivated you to choose your degree/major?
- What is excites or interests you about your work/field/major?
- What conference or event are you interested in attending or have attended?
- What do you enjoy doing outside your work?
- What is on your reading list? What podcasts are you listening to?
- What is your favorite place to eat in Gainesville (or city you are in/from)?
- What is the most interesting class you’ve ever taken?
- What are some of your strengths?
Smile, make eye contact, and introduce yourself with a firm handshake if applicable.
Be Engaging and Curious: Ask recruiters about their experiences and advice, not just about job openings. Show genuine interest in their company.
Take Notes: Jot down key points about your conversation, including the recruiter’s name and follow-up instructions.
Collect Contact Information: Politely ask for a business card or LinkedIn connection to follow up later.
Ending a conversation gracefully is just as important, as starting the conversation. Here are ideas on how to wrap up a conversation with a recruiter.
- I’m going to take a look at [something of interest related to the event], but if I don’t run into you later, I hope to see you at another event soon.
- I have to head out right now, but I really enjoyed learning more about your work. Could I get your contact info to schedule a time for us to finish our conversation?
- I had a great time talking with you—are you planning to go to the [related event] next month? It seems like something that would be relevant to both of us, so maybe we could go together [or meet up there].
- I wonder if I could pick your brain for advice over lunch sometime soon. I need to say hello to a few others here, but can we plan to connect next week?
- [Name], it’s been great getting to know you, but I need to say hello to a few more folks around here. I hope you have a great evening.
Within 24–48 hours, send personalized thank-you emails or LinkedIn messages to recruiters you spoke with, reminding them of your conversation.
Apply What You Learned: Use insights from your conversations to tailor your job applications and refine your career goals.
Stay Connected: Keep in touch with industry connections by engaging with their content on LinkedIn or reaching out periodically with updates.
Career Fairs
A career fair is an event where employers from various industries come to connect with UF students like you, offering opportunities to network, learn about internships and jobs, and explore potential career paths. It’s a chance to meet recruiters, including UF alumni, who are excited to share insights about their companies and what they’re looking for in candidates.
Attending a career fair can help you build your network, gather valuable industry information, and even land an internship or job. Whether you’re exploring options or actively searching for opportunities, career fairs are a powerful way to take steps toward your career goals.
Fall Career Fair Offerings
- Chemical Engineering Virtual Career Fair
- Part-Time Job Fair
- Computer & Information Science & Engineering and Artificial Intelligence Career Fairs
- Career Showcase
- Materials Science Engineering and Nuclear Engineering Career Fair
- Agricultural and Biological engineering Career Far
- Majors and Minors Fair
- Careers in Commination Fair
- Graduate and professional Schools Fair
Spring Career Fair Offerings
- Career Showcase
- Career & Community Meet-up
- Computer & Information Science & Engineering and Artificial Intelligence Career Fairs
- Master and Doctoral Student Industry Meet-up
- HELPS Fair-Careers in healthcare, Education, Law/Legal, and Public Services
- Careers in Commination Fair
- Summer Experience Fair
- SEC & ACC Fair
- Just in Time Fair
- Statewide Job Fair
For more information about the dates, times, location, registration and more for the fairs visit the Career Hub Events page here.