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From Campus to Career:

How to Stand Out At Your Next Career Fair

Whether you're preparing for your first job fair or navigating the early days of an internship, the transition from classroom to career can feel overwhelming. But what if you had a cheat sheet of insider advice from someone who’s been on the other side of the hiring table? In this blog, we dive into practical, real-world guidance from Joshua Jones, a seasoned Emerging Talent Manager at Panasonic North America, who shares what truly makes students and interns stand out.

Steps to Take Before, During and After a Job Fair  

Success starts before you even walk into the room. “Students should research the companies attending a fair and identify which ones align with their interests and values,” Jones advises. Coming prepared with thoughtful questions shows initiative and helps spark meaningful conversations. 

During the fair, confidence and curiosity are key. Engage with recruiters, take notes and don’t forget to follow up. A personalized thank-you email or LinkedIn message referencing your conversation can leave a lasting impression. 

Stand

Out as a

Candidate  

“I look for intentionality,” Jones said. “The experiences listed on a candidate’s resume should reflect their goals and show areas of growth.” He notes that leadership roles, like Club President or leading group projects, signal initiative and stand out to him. Clean formatting, concrete achievements and a short summary that highlights what drives you are also essential. 

Resumes only tell part of the story. “Potential often shows up in how a candidate communicates,” Jones explains. Insightful questions, high energy and a willingness to learn are all indicators of students who reflect on challenges and adapt efficiently, demonstrating strong growth potential.

Leave a Lasting Impression as an Intern 

Another insider tip? Be proactive. “Instead of waiting for tasks to be assigned, ask where you can help, offer ideas and show you’re invested in the team’s success,” Jones advises. Interns who treat their role like a full-time job and seek feedback regularly tend to stand out. 

Build Unforgettable Connections 

When asked about the advice he most often shares with students, Jones says, “Don’t underestimate the power of networking. Your resume gets you in the door, but relationships open opportunities. Stay curious, ask questions and build genuine connections.” 

One of the most impactful moments Jones recalls didn’t involve an intricate resume or a high stakes interview. It was a simple request for a conversation. “An intern once asked for a 15-minute meeting, not for a job, but just to learn about my career path,” he shares. That genuine curiosity and respect for someone else’s journey made a lasting impression. What truly set the intern apart was the thoughtful follow-up: a thank-you note expressing how the conversation had influenced their next steps. “That kind of initiative is rare and unforgettable,” Jones adds. 

josh jones

Standing out at a career fair or internship isn’t just about your resume, it’s about showing up with purpose and curiosity. As Jones shares, the students who ask thoughtful questions, take initiative and build real connections leave the strongest impression. 

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