A Virtual Career Fair can feel like uncharted territory. Lots of companies. Plenty of recruiters. And the pressure to stand out… even if you’re in sweatpants behind your laptop.
But survival isn’t about wandering from booth to booth. It’s about moving with purpose. Think of this article as your trail map. Four essential questions to pack with you before you click “Join.”
1. What’s Their Why?
Every organization has a mission. Not every mission will resonate with you. Research a company’s culture, values, and history.
- Are they going in a direction that excites you?
- Do their priorities align with yours?
And if you haven’t thought much about your own why, this is a good moment to reflect. What drives you, what excites you, what gets you out of bed in the morning…? Forté’s Career Planning: (Self) Honesty is the Best Policy is a great place to start.
Knowing their why and knowing yours makes it easier to decide whether a company is worth your time and talent.
2. Who Do They Serve?
Look beyond the company name. Learn about their clients, products, and services.
- Could you see yourself contributing to that work?
- Is this an industry you’re excited to grow in, or does it feel like a detour?
Pay attention to your reaction. If explaining their work to a friend makes your eyes glaze over, that’s telling. If you get louder and more animated when you talk about it, that energy will show up in your conversations and in your career.
3. How Big Is Their World?
Yes, it’s true. Size matters. Well, size and scale in this case. A global firm may offer expansive opportunities. A smaller company may give you more flexibility and visibility. Neither’s automatically better. They just offer different experiences.
Think about geography too.
- Are they in cities where you want to live?
- Do they offer remote options?
If you’d never consider relocating to Chicago, their beautiful Chicago office won’t matter. Matching your lifestyle to their footprint is just as important as matching your skills to their roles.
4. How Are They Making a Difference?
Mission statements sound good. Real impact shows up in what a company is doing right now. Check their press releases, industry news, and social feeds.
- Are they innovating?
- Expanding?
- Making an impact in their community or industry?
A company that is active and visible shows momentum. One that has not updated its news page since 2021 might not have much to say. A little online digging helps you spot who is thriving… and who is just getting by.
Bonus: Your Booth Compass
The four questions above are your trail map. They help you decide which booths to visit and where to spend your energy. But when you’re in the moment, clicking into a booth and trying to make a strong impression, it’s easy to lose your bearings.
That’s why we created the Booth Compass. It’s a one-page cheat sheet you can keep by your side during the fair. It gives you a simple 3–7 minute conversation structure you can use in any booth.
The Bottom Line
The best survivalists don’t wander. They move with purpose. With your trail map (the four questions) and your cheat sheet (the compass), you’ll log in prepared. You’ll log in confident. That’s how you make a Virtual Career Fair less overwhelming and more like the career adventure you’ve been waiting for.
