20 Questions

Questions to Ask at a Job Fair for Students

Strategic questions that help you make the most of job fairs, connect with employers, and gather valuable information about career opportunities and company culture.

1

What entry-level positions do you have available for recent graduates, and what are the main responsibilities?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Identifies specific job opportunities and helps you understand the scope of work, ensuring you're targeting positions that match your experience level.

2

What skills and qualifications are you looking for in candidates, and how can I make myself a stronger applicant?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Provides insight into employer expectations and helps you understand what you need to develop to be competitive for their positions.

3

What's your company culture like, and what values are most important to your organization?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Assesses cultural fit and helps you determine if the company's values and work environment align with your preferences and career goals.

4

What are the growth and advancement opportunities within your company, and how do you support employee development?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Evaluates career progression potential and helps you understand how the company invests in employee growth and advancement.

5

What's the application process like, and what steps should I take to apply for positions with your company?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Provides practical guidance for applying and helps you understand the specific steps and requirements for their hiring process.

6

What are the typical career paths for someone in my field, and how do you help employees navigate their career development?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Explores career development opportunities and helps you understand the various paths available within the company and industry.

7

What are the biggest challenges facing your industry, and how is your company addressing them?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Provides insight into industry trends and challenges while helping you understand the company's position and strategy in the market.

8

What are the most rewarding aspects of working at your company, and what makes it a great place to work?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Highlights the positive aspects of working there and helps you understand what makes the company attractive to employees.

9

What are the training and development opportunities available, and how do you support new employees?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Assesses learning opportunities and helps you understand how the company supports new employees and ongoing professional development.

10

What are the work-life balance considerations at your company, and how do you support employee well-being?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Evaluates work-life balance and helps you understand how the company supports employee well-being and personal life integration.

11

What are the salary and benefits expectations for entry-level positions, and how do they compare to industry standards?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Provides realistic information about compensation and helps you understand the financial aspects of working for the company.

12

What are the most important qualities you look for in candidates, and how do you assess cultural fit during the hiring process?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Identifies key candidate qualities and helps you understand how to demonstrate these qualities during the application and interview process.

13

What are the company's mission and vision, and how do employees contribute to achieving these goals?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Explores company purpose and helps you understand how your role would contribute to the company's broader mission and objectives.

14

What are the team dynamics and collaboration opportunities, and how do employees work together?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Assesses teamwork and collaboration while helping you understand the social and professional dynamics of working at the company.

15

What are the company's diversity and inclusion initiatives, and how do you ensure an inclusive workplace?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Evaluates diversity and inclusion efforts while helping you understand the company's commitment to creating an inclusive environment.

16

What are the company's recent achievements and future goals, and how do they impact employee opportunities?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Provides insight into company performance and direction while helping you understand how company success translates to employee opportunities.

17

What are the most common career mistakes you see in new graduates, and how can I avoid them?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Offers valuable career advice and helps you understand common pitfalls to avoid while building your professional career.

18

What are the company's remote work and flexible work arrangements, and how do they support different work styles?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Assesses work flexibility and helps you understand the company's approach to remote work and flexible arrangements.

19

What are the company's social responsibility and community involvement initiatives, and how can employees participate?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Explores company values and community engagement while helping you understand opportunities for social impact and community involvement.

20

What advice would you give to someone starting their career in your industry, and what should I focus on developing?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Provides industry-specific career guidance and helps you understand what skills and experiences are most valuable for career success.

Best Practices for Job Fair Success

Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.

Best Practices

Focus on Learning and Building Relationships

Ask questions that help you learn about the company and industry while building genuine connections with recruiters and employees.

Demonstrate Your Interest and Preparation

Show that you've researched the company and industry by asking thoughtful questions that demonstrate your knowledge and interest.

Gather Actionable Information

Ask questions that provide practical information about application processes, requirements, and next steps for pursuing opportunities.

Question Sequences

The Opportunity Assessment Sequence

1
What entry-level positions do you have available for recent graduates, and what are the main responsibilities?
2
What skills and qualifications are you looking for in candidates, and how can I make myself a stronger applicant?
3
What's the application process like, and what steps should I take to apply for positions with your company?

The Culture and Fit Sequence

1
What's your company culture like, and what values are most important to your organization?
2
What are the most rewarding aspects of working at your company, and what makes it a great place to work?
3
What are the team dynamics and collaboration opportunities, and how do employees work together?

Common Pitfalls

Don't Focus Only on Salary

Avoid asking only about compensation. Include questions about culture, growth opportunities, and work environment to get a complete picture.

Don't Ask Generic Questions

Avoid asking questions that could apply to any company. Research the company beforehand and ask specific, thoughtful questions.

Don't Ignore the Follow-Up

Avoid leaving without getting contact information and next steps. Always ask about the best way to follow up and maintain the connection.

Conversation Templates

The Opportunity Assessment Template

1
Step 1: Start with: "What entry-level positions do you have available for recent graduates, and what are the main responsibilities?"
2
Step 2: Follow with: "What skills and qualifications are you looking for in candidates, and how can I make myself a stronger applicant?"
3
Step 3: Connect with: "What's the application process like, and what steps should I take to apply for positions with your company?"

The Culture and Fit Template

1
Step 1: Start with: "What's your company culture like, and what values are most important to your organization?"
2
Step 2: Follow with: "What are the most rewarding aspects of working at your company, and what makes it a great place to work?"
3
Step 3: Deepen with: "What are the team dynamics and collaboration opportunities, and how do employees work together?"

Further Reading

"The Job Fair Success Guide" by Sarah Miller
"Career Fairs for Dummies" by Dominique Douglas
"The Complete Guide to Job Fairs" by Mark D. Jackson

Find Your Perfect Questions

Search our collection of thoughtful questions for any conversation or situation