20 Questions

Questions to Ask at Career Fairs

Essential questions to ask at career fairs to make meaningful connections and learn about opportunities that align with your career goals.

1

What types of positions are you currently hiring for?

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Why this works

Helps you understand what opportunities are available and whether they match your interests and skills.

2

What does a typical day look like for someone in this role?

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Why this works

Provides insight into the daily responsibilities and work environment to help you assess fit.

3

What skills and qualifications are you looking for in ideal candidates?

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Why this works

Helps you understand what they value most and how you can position yourself as a strong candidate.

4

What opportunities are there for professional development and growth?

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Why this works

Shows your interest in long-term career growth and helps you understand advancement possibilities.

5

What is the company culture like and how do you maintain it?

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Why this works

Helps you understand the work environment and whether it aligns with your values and working style.

6

What are the biggest challenges facing your industry right now?

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Why this works

Shows your interest in the industry and helps you understand current trends and opportunities.

7

What do you enjoy most about working for this company?

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Why this works

Reveals what employees value most about the company and what makes it a great place to work.

8

What are the opportunities for advancement and career progression?

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Why this works

Shows your interest in long-term growth and helps you understand career paths within the company.

9

What is the application process like and what are the next steps?

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Why this works

Provides practical information about how to apply and what to expect in the hiring process.

10

What advice would you give to someone starting their career in this field?

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Why this works

Allows them to share valuable career guidance and shows your interest in learning and growth.

11

What are the most important qualities you look for in new hires?

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Why this works

Helps you understand what they value most in candidates and how you can demonstrate those qualities.

12

What are the biggest opportunities for growth in this industry?

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Why this works

Shows your interest in the industry's future and helps you understand emerging opportunities.

13

What is the company's approach to work-life balance?

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Why this works

Important for understanding expectations and whether the company supports employee wellbeing.

14

What are the most exciting projects or initiatives happening at the company?

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Why this works

Reveals what the company is working on and what makes it an exciting place to work.

15

What are the opportunities for networking and professional development?

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Why this works

Shows your interest in building your professional network and continuing to learn and grow.

16

What are the biggest challenges facing your team or department?

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Why this works

Helps you understand current priorities and how you might contribute to solving important problems.

17

What is the company's approach to diversity and inclusion?

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Why this works

Shows the company's values and commitment to creating an inclusive workplace.

18

What are the opportunities for mentorship and learning from experienced professionals?

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Why this works

Shows your interest in learning and growth and helps you understand available support systems.

19

What are the most important trends in your industry that I should be aware of?

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Why this works

Shows your interest in staying current with industry trends and helps you understand the landscape.

20

What questions should I be asking that I haven't thought of?

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Why this works

Allows them to provide additional important information you might not have considered.

Maximizing Your Career Fair Experience

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

Best Practices for Career Fairs

Research Companies in Advance

Learn about the companies you're interested in before the fair to ask more informed questions.

Bring Multiple Resumes

Bring plenty of copies of your resume and have them ready to hand out to interested employers.

Follow Up After the Fair

Send thank you notes and follow up on any opportunities you discussed during the fair.

Career Fair Topics

Opportunities and Roles

1
What types of positions are you hiring for?
2
What does a typical day look like?
3
What skills are you looking for?

Company Culture and Growth

1
What is the company culture like?
2
What opportunities are there for growth?
3
What do you enjoy most about working here?

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Don't Focus Only on Salary

Ask about culture, growth opportunities, and work-life balance, not just compensation.

Avoid Generic Questions

Ask specific questions about the company and role rather than general questions that could apply to anyone.

Don't Rush Through Conversations

Take time to have meaningful conversations rather than just collecting business cards.

Conversation Templates

The Opportunity Explorer

1
Step 1: Start with: 'What types of positions are you hiring for?'
2
Step 2: Follow with: 'What does a typical day look like?'
3
Step 3: Explore: 'What skills are you looking for?'

The Culture Assessor

1
Step 1: Ask: 'What is the company culture like?'
2
Step 2: Explore: 'What opportunities are there for growth?'
3
Step 3: Connect: 'What do you enjoy most about working here?'

Further Reading

Career Fair Preparation and Networking
Job Search and Application Strategies
Professional Development and Career Growth
Industry Research and Company Analysis

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