Attending Career Fairs: How to Stand Out and Make Meaningful Connections

Eduardo Ramirez, a 21-year-old student from Mexico arrived Canada to study Business management at University of Toronto.

While pursuing a degree with all readiness, he understood from reading that in the competitive world of business, connections were key.

One cold morning in October, Eduardo received an email from the university's career services team about an upcoming career fair. It was an event that would attract top companies from across the country.

Eduardo recognised this event as an opportunity to make an impression. He began making research about every company on the list - their values, their challenges and recent achievements.

He then crafted his elevator pitch until he could say it in his sleep.

On the day of the fair, Eduardo dressed in a sharp navy-blue suit with a burgundy tie—a subtle nod to his Mexican roots. He took confident steps into the large hall filled with bustling crowds of students and recruiters. He knew he had to stand out, not just by what he wore, but by what he said.

This was his moment.

He approached the first booth, a global consulting firm. But unlike most students who reeled rehearsed speeches, Eduardo asked insightful questions about the company’s expansion in Latin America.

The recruiter who was a seasoned manager with decades of experience, raised an eyebrow - surprised by the depth of his knowledge.

Eduardo connected his studies and his cultural background to the firm’s needs, discussing how his bilingual skills and understanding of both North American and Latin American markets could be a strategic asset.

As he moved through the fair, Eduardo's strategy remained the same: listen first, speak second.

He engaged in meaningful conversations, not just about what he could offer, but about what he learnt from the challenges these companies faced. His questions were thoughtful, his answers concise yet impactful.

At the booth of a major multinational company, Eduardo met Sarah, a recruiter known for her tough screening methods. Most students were intimidated by her direct manner, but Eduardo saw it as an opportunity. When she asked him why he was interested in a company known for its rigorous demands, he replied with a calm smile, “I’ve always believed that growth happens outside of your comfort zone. I come from a place where persistence is not a matter of choice; but a way of life. If I can blend that resilience with what I learn from a demanding environment like yours, I think the possibilities are limitless.”

Sarah paused, clearly impressed. They talked about his background in Mexico - how he helped his family’s small business adapt to digital platforms as well as his plan to transform traditional enterprises with technical. By the end of their conversation, Sarah handed him her business card and said, “Reach out to me. I think we might have something for you.”

Eduardo did not stop there. He understood that connections at such events were only the beginning.

After the fair, he followed up with every recruiter he met. He sent personalized emails and referenced their conversations.

He connected with some recruiters on LinkedIn and shared articles relating to the topics they had discussed.

Eduardo was no longer just another student looking for a job; he had become someone interested in genuine connections.

Two weeks later, Eduardo received a call from Sarah. The company had an internship opening, and she thought he’d be a perfect fit. “You’re not just a name on a resume to us, Eduardo. You stood out because you understood what we are about,” she said.

As he hung up the phone, Eduardo felt a rush of gratitude and excitement.

His journey from Mexico to Canada though a geographical shift; has evolved into a journey of growth and resilience.

As he prepared to embrace this new chapter, he knew that his story was only just beginning.

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Zoe Tavia has a degree in English Language and Literature and is a rizing star in public speaking and Toastmasters. With roots in the U.S., Great Britain, and Canada, she uses her public speaking and copywriting skills to help students and young professionals focus on growth and development. You'll find her hanging out with family and friends when she's not working, enjoying quality time.