How to excel at the Career Fair

By: Abby Miles ’25

Be sure to attend the 2024 Fall Career Fair 5-8 p.m. Sept. 10 in Marquis Hall. The on-campus Career Fair offers over 60 employers from a wide variety of industries. 

Meet employers, including many alums, from a variety of organizations across many industries with diverse roles. These organizations are interested in actively recruiting Lafayette students! Register for the Career Fair in Handshake to see the specific organizations attending. Registrants will also receive a printed name tag for the Career Fair. 

Here are a few tips on how to excel this year at the Career Fair.

1. Explore Gateway’s Career Closet: It is important to dress professionally for the Career Fair, so if you need professional clothing, visit Gateway on the second floor of Hogg Hall and ask the reception desk for access to the Career Closet—no appointment necessary. Take a look at Gateway’s extensive selection of professional attire including shoes, ties, belts, and all kinds of clothing items in a variety of sizes. Whatever pieces you take are yours to keep! 
2. Resume review: Bring a printed copy of your resume (or business card) to give to potential employers. To make sure your resume is up to date, attend a Gateway & Go session, participate in Document Review Day, or attend Gateway Peer Advisor Drop-ins. 
   • Gateway & Go: Find in-person or online opportunities to connect with a career counselor to get professional documents reviewed. 
   • Gateway Peer Advisor Drop-ins: Receive feedback from student workers, trained by Gateway staff. 
   • Document Review Day (9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 9): Email your resume to careers@lafayette.edu as a Google Doc or Microsoft Word document, and receive feedback within 24 hours.
3. Visit the LinkedIn Photo Studio: Make sure to update your LinkedIn account before the Career Fair. One essential part of building a professional brand is a quality headshot. Set up an appointment for a 30-minute time slot for a free professional photo. Take advantage of Gateway’s professional photo studio with modern photography equipment, quality lighting, and a professional background. Set up your phone on the available tripod and use the remote timer for a completely self-service headshot. 
4. Come prepared: The Career Fair is a place for all students, and does not need to be intimidating. Use all the resources available to you and come prepared. 
   • Use Handshake to research the organizations in attendance. 
   • Have an elevator pitch to market yourself to the companies. 
   • Update your resume and LinkedIn profile. 
   • Dress professionally. 
   • If you have any questions, reach out to career counselors at Gateway for help and visit Career Resource Central to look at available resources and schedule appointments.
   • Keep in mind career counselors will be on-site for any help students need during the Career Fair.

The Career Fair is a great opportunity for all Lafayette students. Companies are doing active recruiting, including organizations committed to next-day interviews on campus. Even if you think that you may not be interested in the companies there, this can serve as career exploration for similar roles. Make sure to attend the Career Fair Sept. 10 and use help from Gateway’s many resources to excel.