Stand out by being curious

Career fairs can feel intimidating. You find many company booths, have many conversations and the pressure to “impress”. From a recruiter’s perspective, however, the most impressive conversations are rarely about perfect answers — they are about curiosity, reflection and interest. One thing that is really important to know is that a conversation on a career event should be beneficial for both the company AND yourself.

Questions recruiters really appreciate

Recruiters at career fairs meet dozens — sometimes hundreds — of students. What stands out is not confidence alone, but interest and good questions. Here are some questions you can prepare for meeting potential employers at a job fair:

• Hello! My name is … Is it ok if I tell you a little bit about myself? You open the conversation in a positive way and it also makes curious to find out more.

• Which possibilities do I have as a student to contribute to your teams? My study focus lies on … and I’m particularly interested in … You can combine your short presentation with a question about the impact you can make.

• I already finished my studies in … and I want to find a company where I can bring in my skills and become an expert in the field of … What entry-level positions are available in your company and what skills are you looking for? Starting the conversation with your short introduction, leading to this question will make a good impression, as it shows you reflect on what you can bring to the company and what you still need to learn on the job.

• How would you describe your company culture? Are values and the company environment important to you? This question gives you an idea about what matters to this company.

• I saw on the website, that the company … This shows you already prepared before starting the conversation. Showing interest and preparation will make a difference.

• What does a typical onboarding process look like for someone with my profile? What do you expect from your student employees / entry-level roles? It shows you can already envision working there and still reflect on meeting the expectations.

At the end of the conversation: think of a good last impression. Be thankful for the information you got and note down the person’s name so you can take further steps.

Green flags you should look for in a job fair

While recruiters evaluate you, you also have the chance to get insights, reflect on how the possibilities match your career plans and competences, as well as your values. Here are green flags worth noticing:

• Company representatives ask you questions about what you’re looking for, what your plans are for the future and they ask follow-up questions.

• You get clear answers, even about weaknesses or challenges, e.g. “that depends on the team”, “we’re still working on improving that” or “this job comes with the willingness to work overtime.”

• The company offers support for students and graduates, such as onboarding programmes, mentoring / buddy systems, regular feedback structures.

• The company doesn’t just mention diversity, but explains how it’s implemented, for example by concrete programmes, commitment on leadership level, openness about ongoing challenges.

• If you get the feeling, that the company representative enjoys talking about their work, it is probably a sign of a healthy environment.

Keep in mind that the person you’re talking to might not be able to tell you everything in-depth about your desired role, especially with big teams. Use this opportunity to get insights and grow your network.

The best questions are not clever — they are curious. > The best employers are not perfect — they are reflective and appreciate their team. If you leave a booth feeling more informed, respected and encouraged to grow, that’s a good sign and you will see: you will learn with each conversation.