Questions to Ask Employers at a Career Fair
Strategic questions to ask employers at career fairs to learn about opportunities, company culture, and make a memorable impression that could lead to interviews.
1What types of entry-level positions do you typically hire for?
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What types of entry-level positions do you typically hire for?
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Why this works
Shows you're interested in starting your career and helps you understand what opportunities are available for someone at your level.
2What skills and qualities do you look for in new hires?
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What skills and qualities do you look for in new hires?
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Why this works
Helps you understand what they value and gives you insights into how to position yourself as a strong candidate.
3What's the company culture like and what makes it unique?
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What's the company culture like and what makes it unique?
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Why this works
Shows interest in the work environment and helps you determine if the company would be a good cultural fit for you.
4What opportunities are there for professional development and growth?
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What opportunities are there for professional development and growth?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your long-term thinking and shows you're interested in growing with the company, not just getting a job.
5What's the typical career path for someone in this role?
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What's the typical career path for someone in this role?
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Why this works
Helps you understand advancement opportunities and shows you're thinking about your future with the company.
6What do you enjoy most about working at this company?
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What do you enjoy most about working at this company?
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Why this works
Gets personal insights from the recruiter and shows you're interested in the human side of the organization.
7What challenges does the company face and how are you addressing them?
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What challenges does the company face and how are you addressing them?
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Why this works
Shows you understand that companies have challenges and demonstrates your interest in being part of the solution.
8What's the application process like and what's the timeline for hiring?
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What's the application process like and what's the timeline for hiring?
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Why this works
Practical information that helps you understand next steps and manage your expectations about the hiring process.
9What 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 you value their expertise and gives you valuable insights for your career development.
10What projects or initiatives is the company currently working on?
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What projects or initiatives is the company currently working on?
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Why this works
Shows interest in the company's current work and helps you understand what you might be working on if hired.
11How does the company support work-life balance?
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How does the company support work-life balance?
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Why this works
Important for understanding the company's values and whether they support employees' personal lives and well-being.
12What's the team structure like and who would I be working with?
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What's the team structure like and who would I be working with?
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Why this works
Helps you understand the work environment and whether you'd enjoy working with the team structure they have.
13What technologies or tools does the company use?
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What technologies or tools does the company use?
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Why this works
Shows interest in the technical aspects of the work and helps you understand what skills you might need to develop.
14What's the company's approach to diversity and inclusion?
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What's the company's approach to diversity and inclusion?
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Why this works
Shows you value inclusive workplaces and helps you understand if the company shares your values.
15What opportunities are there for mentorship or learning from experienced colleagues?
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What opportunities are there for mentorship or learning from experienced colleagues?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your interest in learning and shows you value guidance from more experienced professionals.
16What's the company's mission and how do employees contribute to it?
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What's the company's mission and how do employees contribute to it?
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Why this works
Shows interest in the company's purpose and helps you understand if their mission aligns with your values.
17What's the most rewarding aspect of working in this role?
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What's the most rewarding aspect of working in this role?
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Why this works
Gets personal insights about job satisfaction and helps you understand what makes the work fulfilling.
18What's the company's approach to innovation and staying current with industry trends?
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What's the company's approach to innovation and staying current with industry trends?
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Why this works
Shows interest in the company's forward-thinking approach and helps you understand if they invest in staying competitive.
19What's the best way to follow up after today's conversation?
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What's the best way to follow up after today's conversation?
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Why this works
Shows professionalism and ensures you know how to continue the conversation after the career fair.
20What questions do you have for me about my background or interests?
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What questions do you have for me about my background or interests?
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Why this works
Shows confidence and gives the recruiter a chance to learn more about you, potentially leading to a more meaningful conversation.
Making the Most of Career Fair Conversations
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Research Companies Beforehand
Learn about the companies you're interested in so you can ask informed questions and show genuine interest.
Be Genuinely Curious
Ask questions you're genuinely interested in hearing the answers to, not just questions you think you should ask.
Listen and Engage
Pay attention to their answers and ask follow-up questions to show you're engaged in the conversation.
Question Sequences
The Opportunity Exploration Sequence
The Culture Fit Sequence
Common Pitfalls
Don't Ask Questions You Can Answer Yourself
Avoid asking basic questions that can be answered by looking at their website or materials.
Avoid Generic Questions
Make your questions specific to the company and role rather than asking the same questions to every employer.
Don't Focus Only on Benefits
While benefits are important, focus more on the role, company culture, and growth opportunities.