Career Fairs

Registration is not required, but you can register for updates on HIREStanState via Handshake. Register and check out who is attending, positions they are recruiting for, and post your resume for their review. 

• Log in to your MyStanState Student Account
• Click on the HireStanState/Handshake icon on your student dashboard
• Activate your account and find the Career & Internship Fair under the Events section 
• Already have an account? Log in and follow the next steps:
  • Locate Spring 2024 Career & Internship Fair on HireStanState/Handshake
  • Click on Events (via the top menu bar), then click the Career Fair button, selecting the event of interest 

If you have issues with Handshake or registration, please contact the Career & Professional Development Center.

Here are some best practices to help you prepare for a successful fair:

• We offer both in-person and online workshops on how to succeed at a career fair
• Check out our video resources on career fair prep
• Plan to dress business casual, and bring multiple copies of your resume – enough to give to the employers you already know you’re interested in, and extras that you could distribute if you discover other employers that interest you.
• We offer an assortment of professional attire in our Warrior Wardrobe Career Closet. You can make an appointment to visit before the fair via your HireStanState/Handshake account. 

Career Fairs are a great way to expand your job search and start building a professional network. To get the most out of them, come prepared to market yourself and engage with recruiters.

Career Preparation

• Reflect on your skills, interests, and experiences so you can clearly express what you offer to employers. This also helps you identify which organizations and opportunities to focus on.
• Consider scheduling an appointment with a Career Coach.

Research Companies and Opportunities

• A list of attending employers will be posted on HIREStanState via Handshake.
• Review company profiles, job postings, and internships, then prioritize those of interest.
• Recruiters will expect you to be familiar with their organization—know some of their products, services, and what draws you to them. This preparation will boost your confidence and strengthen conversations at the fair.

• Business attire is strongly recommended.
• Make an appointment to visit our Warrior Wardrobe Career Closet
• Contact the Career Center if you have any questions. 

• Career fairs bring employers to campus to meet face-to-face with students and alumni. Each employer hosts a booth where you can learn about the company, ask questions, and even express interest in specific roles.
• Be prepared for short conversations and occasional lines as you wait to meet with representatives.
• Conversations are typically brief—just 2–3 minutes—so use the time to express interest, make a strong first impression, and share your resume. 
• Employers may direct you to apply online or follow up afterward, so take notes and follow through to be considered a candidate. 

What if I need assistance or support in navigating a career fair?

• We are committed to helping all students successfully engage with employers. Students who anticipate challenges navigating a career fair environment, with or without the support of DRS (see below), are encouraged to reach out to us in advance at career@csustan.edu. 
• To request disability accommodation, contact the Disability Resource Services at (209) 667-3159 or drs@csustan.edu. Stan State makes every effort to honor disability accommodation requests. Requests can be responded to most effectively if received as far in advance of the event as possible, preferably at least 10 days.

View and apply to open jobs or internships.

• Keep the momentum going from your meetings with employers. Check out their page on HireStanState via Handshake to see current jobs and internships. Recruiters are logging into Handshake daily to find students for open jobs—so it’s the best place to apply! 
• If you’re not ready to apply yet, save the jobs you like so you’ll get notifications to apply before the deadlines. 
• Find tips for applying to jobs on Handshake.
• Prepare for Interviews with employers by using the Big Interview and other Interview Resources found on our website.

If you have any questions, please contact Rebecca Stephen, Employer and Student Relations Specialist, at rstephens2@csustan.edu.