Best Questions to Ask at a Career Fair
Strategic questions to ask employers at career fairs to stand out, gather useful information, assess company culture, and turn brief conversations into meaningful connections and opportunities.
1What does a typical day look like for someone in this role?
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What does a typical day look like for someone in this role?
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Why this works
Gets beyond job descriptions to understand actual work and responsibilities.
2What qualities or skills do your most successful employees have?
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What qualities or skills do your most successful employees have?
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Why this works
Reveals what the company values and how to position yourself.
3What opportunities exist for professional development and growth?
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What opportunities exist for professional development and growth?
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Why this works
Shows ambition and interest in long-term career progression.
4Can you tell me about the company culture and what makes it unique?
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Can you tell me about the company culture and what makes it unique?
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Why this works
Assesses fit beyond just job duties and compensation.
5What's the best way to apply, and are there any tips you can share?
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What's the best way to apply, and are there any tips you can share?
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Why this works
Gets insider guidance and shows you're action-oriented.
6What attracted you personally to working here?
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What attracted you personally to working here?
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Why this works
Humanizes the conversation and reveals authentic employee perspective.
7What projects or initiatives is the team currently working on?
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What projects or initiatives is the team currently working on?
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Why this works
Demonstrates interest in actual work and strategic priorities.
8How does your company support work-life balance?
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How does your company support work-life balance?
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Why this works
Clarifies expectations around hours, flexibility, and burnout prevention.
9What makes someone stand out as a candidate for your company?
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What makes someone stand out as a candidate for your company?
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Why this works
Helps you tailor your application and follow-up.
10Are there any entry-level positions or internships currently available?
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Are there any entry-level positions or internships currently available?
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Why this works
Direct and action-focused—gets clarity on immediate opportunities.
11What's the hiring timeline for positions like this?
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What's the hiring timeline for positions like this?
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Why this works
Sets expectations for when to follow up and hear back.
12Can I send you my resume, and may I have your contact information?
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Can I send you my resume, and may I have your contact information?
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Why this works
Secures a direct connection beyond the booth interaction.
13What challenges is your team or company facing that new hires could help address?
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What challenges is your team or company facing that new hires could help address?
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Why this works
Positions you as problem-solver and shows strategic thinking.
14How has the company changed or grown since you joined?
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How has the company changed or grown since you joined?
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Why this works
Reveals trajectory, stability, and whether it's a good time to join.
15What advice would you give to someone starting their career in this industry?
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What advice would you give to someone starting their career in this industry?
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Why this works
Shows respect for their experience and opens mentorship-style conversation.
16Are there specific majors, skills, or experiences you're prioritizing in your search?
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Are there specific majors, skills, or experiences you're prioritizing in your search?
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Why this works
Helps you assess whether you're a fit before investing time.
17What's the next step if I'm interested in learning more or applying?
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What's the next step if I'm interested in learning more or applying?
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Why this works
Clear call to action that moves you forward in the process.
18Do you attend other campus events or info sessions I should know about?
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Do you attend other campus events or info sessions I should know about?
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Why this works
Identifies additional touchpoints to build the relationship.
19What questions do students usually forget to ask that I should know?
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What questions do students usually forget to ask that I should know?
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Why this works
Invites them to share important information you might have missed.
20Is there anyone else at the company I should connect with?
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Is there anyone else at the company I should connect with?
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Why this works
Expands your network and shows initiative beyond this one conversation.
Making the Most of Career Fairs
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Research Companies Beforehand
Know who's attending and prioritize top targets—don't wing it.
Bring Resumes and Dress Professionally
First impressions matter—be prepared to hand out materials and look polished.
Follow Up Within 24-48 Hours
Send personalized emails referencing your conversation—stand out from the crowd.
Career Fair Strategy
Maximizing Your Time
Common Pitfalls
Only Asking 'Are You Hiring?'
Show genuine interest in the company, not just whether they have openings.
Not Following Up
The career fair is just the start—follow-up is where real connections and opportunities happen.