what to take to a job fair

[Maxine]

I always go with the mindset that a job fair is a live audition, not a casual meet-and-greet. The most important thing you can bring is multiple copies of a clean, tailored resume—at least 15 to 20, even if you only plan to talk to a handful of companies. You never know when a recruiter from a different department will walk by and ask for one. I also bring a small portfolio case with a few printed work samples or a one-page summary of key projects, especially if I’m targeting a role where results matter more than a list of job duties.

I never forget a notepad and pen. Taking notes while a recruiter is talking shows you’re engaged and helps you remember who said what. I jot down the recruiter’s name, something specific they mentioned about the role, and any follow-up steps. I also bring business cards—even if I’m not currently in a senior role, having a simple card with my name, email, phone, and LinkedIn profile makes it easy for recruiters to keep my contact info. I keep these in a separate pocket so I don’t fumble around.

Another must-have is a fully charged phone with a backup battery pack. I use my phone to scan QR codes that many recruiters now use for instant applications, and I also take photos of company booths and recruiter name tags so I can match them later. I have a list of 5–10 targeted companies printed out, with a few notes about each one, so I don’t waste time wandering.

I also bring a water bottle and a small snack. Job fairs can be physically draining, and staying hydrated keeps me sharp. I dress in business professional attire, but I choose comfortable shoes because I’ll be standing and walking for hours. Lastly, I carry a folder or slim backpack to organize all the materials I collect, so nothing gets crumpled or lost.

Item	Why It Matters	Quantity
Tailored resume	Shows you’ve prepared for each role	15–20 copies
Portfolio/Work samples	Demonstrates your skills visually	1–2 pages
Notepad and pen	Helps you capture key details	1 set
Business cards	Makes sharing contact info effortless	20–30 cards
Phone + backup battery	Enables QR scanning and note-taking	1 device
Company list with notes	Keeps you focused on priority targets	1 page
Water bottle and snack	Maintains energy and focus	1 each
Folder or slim backpack	Organizes collected materials	1 bag

[AngelaFitz]

I keep it simple. I bring three things: a polished resume, a confident smile, and a clear goal. I research the companies that will be there the night before, pick the top three I want to talk to, and prepare one question for each. I don’t overload myself with too much stuff because I’ve seen people lose focus when they’re juggling bags and papers. I also bring a small notebook—I don’t rely on my phone because I’ve had it die on me before. That’s really it. Being prepared matters more than having a lot of items.

[DeRebecca]

I focus on what sets me apart. I bring a printed list of my key achievements in bullet points, not just a resume. I also carry a few copies of my LinkedIn profile summary because sometimes that quick snapshot is more effective than a full resume. I leave the heavy backpack at home and use a crossbody bag so I can move freely. I always pack a power bank and a small bottle of hand sanitizer—after shaking a lot of hands, it just feels right.

[Brynlee]

I bring a strategy, not just stuff. I have a digital folder on my phone with my resume, a cover letter, and a few work samples so I can email them instantly.