Job fairs can be a bit of a jungle. Rows of booths, professionals in crisp suits and a sea of students all trying to stand out. If you’re a student or young professional heading to one of New Zealand’s career expos, like the ones hosted by NZUni Talent, it might feel like everyone else already knows exactly what they’re doing (hint: they don’t). But with a little prep, you can make a strong impression and maybe even enjoy the experience a bit. Here’s how to nail it.
1. Do your homework – yes, even for a fair
Before you walk in with a coffee in one hand and a hopeful smile on your face, check out who’s going to be there. You don’t need to memorise each company’s annual report, but have a quick look at the exhibitors. Pick a few that sound interesting and do a little research on them. Knowing something about their work or values will help you look genuinely interested (and not like you’re just there for the free pens).
2. Have a pitch – but don’t sound like a robot
Think of this as your “What I Do in 30 Seconds or Less” speech. You don’t need to wow them with your life story—just mention who you are, what you’re studying and why you’re excited about the industry. Practise a bit so it sounds natural but avoid over-rehearsing. You want to sound like a real person, not a sales pitch.
Example: “Hi, I’m Jess, currently studying environmental science at Vic. I’m really interested in sustainable business practices, especially as they relate to local industries here in New Zealand.”
Easy enough, right?
3. Dress like you might have somewhere important to be
You don’t need a suit, but showing up in yesterday’s hoodie and sweats probably isn’t going to scream “hire me.” Business casual usually does the trick – clean, tidy and a notch above what you’d wear to your usual 9 am lecture. Think “ready for anything” rather than “here for the free snacks.”
4. Bring a few CVs – not your entire backpack
Bring some copies of your CV, just in case someone actually asks for it. Pro tip: print a few, not a hundred. You probably won’t hand out as many as you think, and lugging them around gets old fast. If you’re really trying to impress, tailor your CV to highlight skills that match the roles you’re interested in – but a general version that showcases your key strengths works too.
5. Ask questions that aren’t about salary
Questions like “What’s the pay like?” or “How many holidays do you get?” might be on your mind, but they’re not the best first impression. Instead, show curiosity about the company and the role itself. Ask about what skills they look for in grads or what types of projects new hires might work on. You’ll get more valuable information and you won’t come across as solely driven by the pay packet.
6. Follow up – but don’t go overboard
If you hit it off with someone or feel genuinely excited about a company, make a note of the recruiter’s name. Afterwards, you can connect with them on LinkedIn with a short, friendly message like, “Great to meet you at the career fair – enjoyed hearing about the projects your team is working on!” Not every encounter needs a follow-up, but it can help you stay memorable (in a good way).
7. Stay open-minded and take notes
The company you’re interested in might be there – but so might a dozen others you’ve never heard of. Job fairs are a chance to explore. Talk to a range of companies and keep a notebook to jot down who you spoke to and what you discussed. When the fair fog lifts, you’ll actually be able to remember details and that’ll make your follow-ups a breeze.
8. Check out workshops and talks
Some job fairs have bonus sessions like workshops on interview skills, resume-building or career panels. These sessions are free and packed with insider advice. Plus, it gives you a break from all the chatting and chance to sit down for a while – it’s a win-win.
9. Be confident, not cocky
Standing out doesn’t mean dominating every conversation. Speak clearly, show genuine interest and keep things friendly. A good handshake and some eye contact go a long way, but remember, you’re not trying to sell them a car. Just be your (appropriately professional) self.
10. Reflect, refresh and repeat
After the event, take a moment to review your notes, update your CV with any new experiences, and think about what you learned. Did you discover a new industry that interests you? Was there a company whose values resonated with you? These reflections can help you refine your future job search.
Attending a job fair is like dipping a toe into the professional world. Yes, it can feel a little daunting, but it’s also a unique chance to meet people who can give you a leg up in your career. Go in with an open mind, a little prep and maybe just enough coffee to keep you energised – but not jittery. You’ve got this.
