While the weather has impacted our event, it did not impact the availability of positions or employer interest in meeting you.
If you have spent time preparing to attend, updating your resume, researching attending employers or building up the courage to walk through the door – your efforts still matter! Employers are still recruiting and you simply need to adjust your strategy.
Replicate the career fair advantage
Career fairs are powerful because they provide you with direct access to employers and allow you to stand out beyond a simple application. While you won’t be able to do this in person, we want you to know how to take action to replicate this opportunity.
- Review the list of employers on Handshake
- Visit their website (and Handshake) to identify relevant open positions
- Conduct professional outreach, consider using this template
I was planning to attend the Merrimack Marketing & Sales event and was looking forward to learning more about your team. I recently applied for [position name] and would welcome the opportunity to connect briefly to learn more about your hiring needs.
Be strategic
Avoid panic applying – you likely would not have left a resume with every single company you talked to at the event. This is an opportunity to be picky and identify the companies with values that align with yours or have a specific opportunity you are interested in.
- Study the job descriptions of 3-5 employers
- Adjust your resume to reflect the skills they are seeking
- Apply intentionally
Use the momentum you’ve built
You took time to prepare for this event, give yourself credit where it’s due!
- Practice your professional introduction – to use in person at a different event or over email
- Strengthen your LinkedIn profile
If you were counting on the career fair to figure it out, schedule an appointment on Handshake with our team. We can help you narrow your focus and create a clear action plan.
Turn a disruption into differentiation
Many students stop when something gets in the way. The students who reach out anyways and follow up professionally, apply thoughtfully are the ones employers remember.
Resilience and initiative are not solely career skills – they are hiring advantages.
A canceled career fair does not close doors. It simply changes how you open them. Take initiative, be strategic and use your resources. Our team is ready to support you.
