A virtual fair isn’t quite the same as walking into the SDC and weaving through rows of booths — but with a little prep, it can be just as impactful. Think of it as your chance to connect with employers without the lines, the noise, or the scramble. Here’s how to set yourself up for success and make the most of the experience.
- Strengthen Your Handshake Profile
Companies want to be able to find candidates by searching through Handshake, too! Make sure your profile makes it easy for them to find you. Potential employers search for candidates on Handshake before and during the fair, so think of your profile as your first impression.
- Build Your Profile: Start with the basics. Handshake has a quick guide to help you create a strong public profile.
- Polish Your Resume: Update it, refine it, and share it with Career Services once it’s done. We’re more than happy to help if you’d like feedback.
- Upload Your Resume: Upload your final resume to your Handshake profile and make it public so employers can view it.
- Add a Headshot: Need a professional photo? Stop by Career Services during our normal walk-in hours
- Register Early and Claim Your Sessions
Once you’ve found a virtual fair to attend, register through Handshake. Each virtual fair has its own registration link. After you’ve registered, go one step further:
Browse available sessions
You’ll see two types:
- Group Sessions: Learn about the company and their opportunities in a presentation-style format.
- 1:1 Sessions: Meet individually with recruiters — the virtual equivalent of walking up to a booth at an in-person fair.
- Follow the employers you’re interested in. If an employer hasn’t posted their schedule yet, you’ll get notified when new sessions open.
- Dress The Part
Even online, professionalism matters. Business attire helps you feel confident and shows employers you’re taking the conversation seriously.
- Do A Little Company Research
Doing some work ahead of the fair will help save you time later. Follow companies on Handshake to get notifications when they participate in an event on campus.
- Filter and Search
One of the key benefits of using Handshake is the ability to find companies hiring students in your major. To make the most of your time at Career Fair, use the filters available in Handshake to narrow your search. Common filter options include:
- Job Types – Filter by the type of employment the employer is offering, such as full-time jobs, internships, or co-ops.
- School Years – Filter by the school year the employer is targeting (e.g., Senior, Junior, Sophomore, Freshman, Master’s).
- Majors – Filter by the majors employers are interested in. Keep in mind that not every employer selects every major they’re hiring for, so use this as a guide rather than an absolute list.
- Finding Employers Attending Career Fair
- On a desktop: Go to the Events tab in the left-hand menu, select Career Fairs at Your School, choose the fair you’re interested in, then click Employers in the top navigation bar to view the list and apply filters.
- In the Handshake app: Tap Events in the bottom navigation bar, select Career Fairs at Your School, choose your fair, then tap Employers in the top navigation bar to view the list and apply filters.
- Check out Handshake’s support article.
Note: If an employer you’re interested in doesn’t appear in your filtered results, they may still be hiring for that selection but left it blank during registration.
- Set Yourself Up for a Smooth Experience
- Check your tech: Make sure you have a reliable internet connection, a working microphone, and a support device. Learn more about technical requirements.
- Choose your space: Find a space with minimal distractions so you can concentrate on looking your best. Need a private room? Email career@mtu.edu to reserve one during normal business hours.