Good Questions To Ask At a Career Fair

Career fairs can be great opportunities to get to know potential employers and make a good connection with them. Taking an interest in the companies that are at the fair is important and will help you make a lasting impression with the people that you talk to. Companies are way more likely to hire a candidate that is interested in the company and is asking questions. It doesn’t really matter if you have a 4.0 if you aren’t very interested in the company. People love to talk about themselves so the more you are able to do that the more they will enjoy the conversation.

Being engaged tells the recruiter that you're not just there for the free pens (though those are nice too). It also helps you decide if you are interested in working for them. Several students forget that their time is valuable too. Spend your time applying for jobs at companies that you care about and like.

Prepare Before If You Can

Something that is helpful is researching the companies that will be there. Check out their websites, social media, and recent news. This prep will help you ask more specific, informed questions. I know for a fact that recruiters notice when you know/ don’t know what you are talking about.

General Questions To Break The Ice

Here are some general questions that are good to ask. It’s nice to start out with a general question before diving deeper into the company.

1. "I know you guys are a coaching marketplace, can you tell me a little more about the company?” - This is a good question to ask if you don’t know a whole lot about the company and need to learn more.
2. "What do you enjoy most about working for this company?" This question personalizes the conversation and can give you insights you won't find on the company website.
3. "What are the biggest challenges facing your company/industry right now?" This shows you're thinking of the big picture and are interested in the company's place in the larger industry.
4. "What qualities do your most successful employees have in common?" This can give you a sense of what the company values and what it takes to thrive there.
5. "What opportunities do you have open currently for students?”

Questions About Specific Roles

If you're interested in a particular position, here are some questions to dig deeper:

1. "Can you walk me through a typical day for someone in this role?" This gives you a concrete idea of what the job actually entails day-to-day.
2. "What are the biggest challenges someone in this position might face?" This shows you're realistic and want to be prepared for the role's difficulties.
3. "How does this position contribute to the company's overall mission?" This demonstrates that you're interested in how your potential role fits into the bigger picture.
4. "What skills or experiences do you think are most important for succeeding in this role?" This can help you understand if you're a good fit and where you might need to develop further.
5. "Is this a new position or would I be replacing someone?" This can give you insights into why the position is open and what to expect.

Questions About the Application Process

Career fairs are also a great opportunity to learn more about how to actually land the job:

1. "What does the application process look like from here?" This shows you're serious about moving forward and helps you understand next steps.
2. "Do you have any advice for someone applying to this position?" Recruiters often have insider tips that can give you an edge in the application process.
3. "Are there any particular skills or experiences you're looking for that aren't mentioned in the job description?" This can help you tailor your application to what the company is really looking for.
4. "How long does the hiring process typically take?" This helps you manage your expectations and plan accordingly.
5. "Are there opportunities for internships or part-time work if I'm still in school?" If you're a student, this shows you're eager to get involved even before graduation.

Questions About Growth and Future Opportunities

Showing that you're thinking long-term can make a great impression:

1. "What does a typical career path look like for someone in this role?" This shows you're interested in growing with the company.
2. "Does the company promote from within?" This demonstrates that you're ambitious and hoping for a long-term relationship with the employer.
3. "How does the company support its employees' professional growth?" This shows you're keen on continuous learning and development.
4. "Are there opportunities for cross-departmental collaboration or job rotation?" This indicates that you're interested in gaining broad experience within the company.
5. "Where do you see the company in five years?" This shows you're thinking about the future and how you might fit into it.

The Follow-Up

Okay, so you've asked some great questions and had a good chat. Here are a few final questions to wrap things up:

1. "What are the next steps if I'm interested in applying?" This clearly communicates your interest and helps you understand the process moving forward.
2. "May I have your contact information for follow-up questions?" This sets the stage for continuing the conversation beyond the career fair.
3. "Is there anyone else you'd recommend I speak with to learn more?" This can open doors to more networking opportunities.

Some Final Tips

It's not just about the questions you ask, but how you ask them. Stay engaged, make eye contact, and really listen to the answers. They will be able to tell if you aren’t genuinely interested in the answers. Also, be mindful of the recruiter's time. If there's a long line behind you, stick to your most important questions. You can always follow up later for more information.

Lastly, don't forget to thank the recruiter for their time. Being personable is a good way to be remembered. The goal isn't to rapid-fire all these questions at every recruiter you meet. Pick and choose the ones that are most relevant to you and the company you're talking to.

Career fairs are a good chance to get to know people face to face from an interesting company. It’s important to show potential employers that you're thoughtful, prepared, and genuinely interested in what they have to offer. By asking smart questions, you're not just gathering information - you're making connections and leaving a lasting impression.

Obviously there are several other good questions to ask that may be more specific to the company you are targeting. Remember to dig deep and be genuinely curious about the companies you are talking to.