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student virtual career fair guide

Virtual career fairs on Handshake allow you to connect with employers through one-on-one video conversations and group sessions without leaving home. These events provide opportunities to explore career paths, learn about organizations, discover job and internship opportunities, and expand your professional network.

For current Career Fair and Industry Days dates, registration information, and event links, please visit the Bellevue University Career Fair webpage.

Whether you are attending an All-Majors Career Fair or an Industry Day event, the following information will help you prepare for a successful experience.

Types of Virtual Sessions

Virtual Handshake fairs allows you to meet with recruiters during scheduled time slots. This means no waiting in line and the ability to reserve time with the employers you’re interested in.

There are two types of virtual fair sessions.

Group Sessions

During these sessions, you’ll join other students to connect with recruiters and  organization representatives. You’ll learn about the organization, company culture, career opportunities, internships, and more. Group sessions also provide an opportunity to ask questions and engage with employers in a larger setting.

One-on-One Sessions

One-on-one sessions allow you to connect directly with a recruiter or employer representative through video, audio, or chat. Employers may invite students to meet with them, or students can sign up for available sessions.

Some employers may establish qualifications for one-on-one sessions, such as major, graduation date, GPA, or work authorization status. Students who meet the employer’s criteria will be able to view and register for available sessions.

Registration & Signing Up for Sessions

Once you have identified a Career Fair or Industry Day you would like to attend, you’ll need to register for the event and sign up for employer sessions in Handshake.

Step 1: Log in to Handshake

Access Handshake through BRUIN Connect or by logging in directly through the Handshake login page using the email address associated with your Handshake account.

Step 2: Log in to Handshake

There are several ways to access the event page:

  • Select the career fair registration link provided on the Career Fair page.
  • Search for the event within Handshake by selecting Events or Career Fairs from your Handshake homepage.
  • Use the search feature to locate Bellevue University Career Fairs and Industry Days.
Step 3: Log in to Handshake

Review the employers attending the event and explore their Handshake profiles to learn about available opportunities, company culture, and recruiting needs.

Helpful Resources:

Step 4: Log in to Handshake

On the Career Fair or Industry Days event page, click the Register button and follow the prompts to complete your registration.

Note: Industry Days consists of multiple career fair events. If you plan to attend more than one Industry Day, you must register for each event separately.

Step 5: Log in to Handshake

After registering, browse available employer sessions and reserve your spot.

Students may participate in:

  • Group Sessions
  • One-on-One Sessions

We encourage students to sign up for sessions as early as possible, as employer schedules can fill quickly.

Need additional assistance? Review Handshake’s Virtual Career Fair guide or watch our step-by-step tutorial on registering for a Career Fair or Industry Day in Handshake.

Signing up for Group Sessions
  • Group sessions display a custom title and session details.
  • Review the session information before selecting Confirm to register.
  • Sessions that reach capacity may no longer appear as available.
  • To participate in group sessions, your profile visibility must be set to Community.
  • on-One Sessions
Signing Up for One-on-One Sessions
  • One-on-one sessions are listed as One-on-One with [Employer Name].
  • Session lengths vary by employer.
  • You may be able to choose which employer representative you’d like to meet with.
  • If you are already scheduled during a particular time slot, Handshake will indicate the conflict.
  • To participate in one-on-one sessions, your profile visibility must be set to Employers or Community.

Important: Some employers establish eligibility criteria for one-on-one sessions based on factors such as major, graduation date, GPA, or work authorization status. If you do not meet the employer’s criteria or have incomplete profile information, available sessions may not appear in your scheduling options.

 

Preparing for the Virtual Career Fair

You’ve registered for the event and signed up for employer sessions—now it’s time to prepare for a successful experience.

1.    Update your Handshake profile:

Career Services does not automatically complete your Handshake profile. Employers may set requirements for one-on-one sessions based on factors such as major, graduation date, GPA, job interests, or work authorization status. If required fields are missing, you may not see all available employer sessions.

We strongly recommend maintaining a profile that is at least 80% complete.

Before the event:

  • Verify your graduation date, school year, major, GPA, and work authorization status.
  • Select job types, locations, and career interests that align with your goals.
  • Add relevant coursework, skills, certifications, and work experience.
  • Upload your resume and make it visible to employers.
  • Set your profile visibility to Employer or Community.
  • Review our Handshake Basics resource for additional guidance.
2.    Upload Your Resume

A current resume helps employers evaluate your qualifications and identify opportunities that may be a good fit.

Resource:
How to Write Resumes and Cover Letters

3.    Test Your Technology

Avoid last-minute technical issues by testing your setup before the event.

  • Run a system test using Daily: https://network-test.daily.co/index.html
  • Use Chrome or Firefox for the best experience.
  • Test your camera, microphone, and internet connection.
  • Consider using headphones or earbuds for clearer audio.
  • Ensure your browser has permission to access your camera and microphone.
4.    Follow Employers

Review participating employers in Handshake and follow organizations that interest you.

Following employers allows you to:

  • Receive notifications when new sessions become available.
  •  Stay informed about opportunities and updates.
  •  Learn more about organizations before meeting with recruiters.
5.    Monitor Your Schedule

Employer schedules may change leading up to the event, and new organizations may be added.

Check your schedule regularly for:

  • Newly available sessions
  • Employer additions
  •  Schedule changes or cancellations
6. Learn How to Join Sessions

Before the event, familiarize yourself with the process for joining virtual career fair sessions in Handshake.

Review:

Handshake’s Guide to Participating in a Virtual Fair

7. Plan for Back-to-Back Sessions

Handshake does not provide a built-in session timer.

If you’ve scheduled consecutive one-on-one sessions:

  • Keep an eye on the time.
  • Be prepared to conclude conversations professionally.
  • Let employers know if you have another session immediately following.

Example:

“It’s great speaking with you today. I do have another session beginning shortly, so I wanted to be mindful of the time.”

8. Dress for Success

Dress professionally and choose a location that is appropriate for meeting employers.

Helpful Resources:

 

Day of the Fair

You’ve prepared—now it’s time to put those skills into action.

Communicate Professionally

Be mindful of your communication style and body language.

  • Maintain eye contact.
  • Listen actively.
  • Be enthusiastic and engaged.
  • Ask thoughtful questions.
  • Take turns speaking during conversations.

Employers are evaluating both your qualifications and your professionalism.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Choose a quiet, professional space with minimal distractions and good lighting.

Review Your Schedule

Before the event begins:

  • Confirm your session schedule.
  • Review participating employers.
  • Check for newly added sessions or last-minute openings.
Join Sessions Early

Log in a few minutes before your scheduled sessions to ensure your technology is working properly and you’re ready to begin on time.

Follow Up After the Fair

Follow up with employers within 24–48 hours of your conversations.

Recruiters frequently attend multiple recruiting events, so a timely follow-up helps reinforce your interest and makes it easier for employers to remember you.

Consider:

  • Sending a thank-you message.
  • Referencing topics discussed during your conversation.
  • Reaffirming your interest in opportunities.
  • Connecting with the organization through Handshake when appropriate.

Helpful Resources:
Effective Sample Thank-You Letter

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can attend the fair?
All current Bellevue University students and alumni with an active Handshake account are eligible to attend.

How do I activate my Handshake Account?
Current students can access Handshake through BRUIN Connect using their college credentials. You can also log in directly through the Handshake login page using the email address associated with your Handshake account.

When can I sign up for sessions?
We recommend registering for sessions at least 15 minutes before they begin as a courtesy to employers. Handshake allows students to register for available one-on-one sessions until one minute before the scheduled start time. Once a one-on-one session begins, registration closes. Group sessions may be joined after they have started.

Why don’t I see available one-on-one sessions with an employer?
This usually means one of the following:

  • All sessions are full.
  • Your Handshake profile does not meet the employer’s eligibility requirements.
  • Your profile is incomplete.

Complete your Handshake profile to maximize your scheduling options.

How do employers receive my resume?
Employers can view your resume when you:

  • Register for a one-on-one or group session, or
  • Apply to one of their positions in Handshake.

Pro Tip: Set your resume visibility to Public and your profile visibility to Employers or Community so recruiters can view your information.

Can I participate from another country?
Yes. As long as you can access your Handshake account and have a reliable internet connection, you may participate from anywhere.

Can I view my past sessions?
Yes. Previous sessions are available in the Sessions tab within Handshake.

What if I have technical issues?
If you experience technical difficulties:

  • Verify your internet connection.
  • Use a supported browser (Chrome, Firefox, or Safari).
  • Ensure your camera and microphone permissions are enabled.
  • Refresh your browser or restart your device.

A Career Services Zoom Help Room will be available during the fair. The Zoom link is posted on the Handshake fair homepage.

How do I report a technical issue?
If the issue is related to Handshake, select Settings > Report a Problem during your session. Your report will be sent directly to Handshake Support.

If you need immediate assistance, join the Career Services Zoom Help Room linked on the Handshake fair homepage.

How do I report inappropriate behavior?
Handshake allows participants to report inappropriate behavior or Trust & Safety concerns during one-on-one and group sessions. Reports are sent directly to Handshake’s Trust & Safety team for review.

Is the virtual fair accessible?
Handshake supports keyboard navigation, screen readers, color contrast accessibility, and closed captioning on the iOS app.

Questions?
Need help preparing for the fair?