Career Fair Questions to Ask Students
Engaging questions that help students explore career opportunities, understand company culture, and make informed decisions about their professional future.
1What's your major and what career path are you considering?
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What's your major and what career path are you considering?
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Why this works
Establishes the student's academic background and career interests, helping you understand their goals and potential fit with your organization.
2What type of work environment do you thrive in?
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What type of work environment do you thrive in?
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Why this works
Helps you understand the student's preferences and whether your company culture would be a good match for their working style.
3What skills are you most excited to develop in your career?
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What skills are you most excited to develop in your career?
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Why this works
Reveals the student's learning goals and helps you understand what opportunities would be most valuable to them.
4What's your ideal role in 5 years?
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What's your ideal role in 5 years?
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Why this works
Shows the student's long-term thinking and helps you understand their career aspirations and growth potential.
5What experiences have shaped your career interests?
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What experiences have shaped your career interests?
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Why this works
Helps you understand the student's background and what has influenced their career choices and interests.
6What type of projects or work do you find most engaging?
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What type of projects or work do you find most engaging?
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Why this works
Reveals the student's interests and helps you understand what kind of work would motivate and engage them.
7How do you prefer to learn and develop new skills?
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How do you prefer to learn and develop new skills?
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Why this works
Helps you understand the student's learning style and how they would best fit into your organization's development approach.
8What's your approach to teamwork and collaboration?
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What's your approach to teamwork and collaboration?
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Why this works
Assesses the student's interpersonal skills and how they would contribute to team dynamics in your organization.
9What challenges are you looking to tackle in your career?
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What challenges are you looking to tackle in your career?
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Why this works
Shows the student's problem-solving mindset and helps you understand what kind of challenges would motivate them.
10What's your experience with leadership or taking initiative?
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What's your experience with leadership or taking initiative?
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Why this works
Evaluates the student's leadership potential and their ability to take ownership of projects and responsibilities.
11What type of company culture appeals to you most?
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What type of company culture appeals to you most?
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Why this works
Helps you understand the student's values and whether they would be a good cultural fit for your organization.
12What's your approach to handling deadlines and pressure?
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What's your approach to handling deadlines and pressure?
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Why this works
Assesses the student's work style and their ability to handle the demands of professional work.
13What's your experience with technology and digital tools?
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What's your experience with technology and digital tools?
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Why this works
Evaluates the student's technical skills and their comfort level with the tools and systems used in your industry.
14What's your approach to networking and building professional relationships?
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What's your approach to networking and building professional relationships?
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Why this works
Shows the student's understanding of professional development and their ability to build relationships in the workplace.
15What's your experience with internships or work experience?
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What's your experience with internships or work experience?
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Why this works
Provides insight into the student's practical experience and their understanding of professional work environments.
16What's your approach to work-life balance?
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What's your approach to work-life balance?
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Why this works
Helps you understand the student's priorities and whether they would be a good fit for your organization's approach to work-life balance.
17What's your experience with diversity and inclusion in academic or work settings?
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What's your experience with diversity and inclusion in academic or work settings?
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Why this works
Shows the student's awareness of diversity issues and their commitment to inclusive environments.
18What's your approach to handling feedback and criticism?
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What's your approach to handling feedback and criticism?
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Why this works
Assesses the student's ability to receive feedback and their commitment to continuous improvement.
19What's your experience with problem-solving and analytical thinking?
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What's your experience with problem-solving and analytical thinking?
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Why this works
Evaluates the student's critical thinking skills and their approach to solving complex problems.
20What's your approach to staying current with industry trends and developments?
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What's your approach to staying current with industry trends and developments?
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Why this works
Shows the student's commitment to continuous learning and their understanding of the importance of staying current in their field.
Engaging Students at Career Fairs
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Be Approachable and Welcoming
Create a welcoming atmosphere that encourages students to ask questions and engage in conversation. Make them feel comfortable and valued.
Focus on Learning and Development
Emphasize the learning and development opportunities available at your organization. Show students how they can grow and develop their skills.
Share Real Experiences
Share authentic stories about your organization, culture, and opportunities. Help students understand what it's really like to work there.
Question Sequences
The Career Exploration Sequence
The Skills and Development Sequence
Common Pitfalls
Don't Focus Only on Technical Skills
While technical skills are important, also consider soft skills, cultural fit, and potential for growth and development.
Don't Ignore Diversity and Inclusion
Be mindful of diversity and inclusion in your questions and approach. Create an inclusive environment for all students.
Don't Rush the Conversation
Give students adequate time to ask questions and share their thoughts. Don't feel pressured to rush through conversations.