Insider Tips for Tech Career Fair Success
We asked recruiters and hiring managers who attend women in tech job fairs what makes candidates stand out. Here are their top tips for getting hired at your next tech career fair.
What Recruiters Look for at Tech Job Fairs
1. Genuine Enthusiasm
“The candidates who stand out are those who have clearly researched our company,” says a senior recruiter at a Fortune 500 tech company. “When someone asks specific questions about our tech stack or recent product launches, it shows they are serious about the opportunity.”
2. Clear Communication
Can you explain complex technical concepts simply? Recruiters want to see that you can communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
3. Relevant Experience (But Not Always What You Think)
“We look for problem-solvers,” explains an engineering manager. “Your exact tech stack matters less than demonstrating how you approach challenges and learn new technologies.”
The Perfect Tech Job Fair Elevator Pitch
Structure your 30-second pitch like this:
Opening (5 seconds)
“Hi, I am [Name], a [Title] with [X] years of experience in [area].”
Value Proposition (15 seconds)
“I specialize in [specific skills] and recently [accomplishment with measurable result].”
Connection (10 seconds)
“I am excited about [Company] because [specific reason]. I would love to learn more about your [team/role].”
Example Pitch
“Hi, I am Sarah, a full-stack engineer with 4 years of experience building scalable web applications. At my current company, I led a project that reduced page load time by 60%, improving user retention significantly. I am excited about your company because of your commitment to developer experience, and I would love to learn more about your platform team.”
Questions That Impress Recruiters
Ask thoughtful questions that show you have done your homework:
- “What does the tech stack look like for the [specific] team?”
- “How does your team approach code reviews and knowledge sharing?”
- “What are the biggest technical challenges your team is solving right now?”
- “How do you support career growth for engineers?”
- “What does success look like in this role after 90 days?”
Red Flags to Avoid
Do Not:
- Ask about salary in the first conversation
- Speak negatively about current or past employers
- Appear unprepared or unfamiliar with the company
- Dominate the conversation without listening
- Forget to ask for next steps or contact information
Follow-Up Strategy That Works
Within 24 Hours
Send a personalized thank-you email referencing specific points from your conversation:
“Thank you for taking the time to speak with me at the WomenHack event yesterday. I enjoyed learning about the challenges your team is solving with [specific project]. Our conversation reinforced my interest in the Senior Engineer role, and I have submitted my application through your careers page. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my experience with [relevant skill] could contribute to your team.”
One Week Later
If you have not heard back, send a brief follow-up expressing continued interest.
What to Bring to a Tech Job Fair
- Resume copies – At least 15-20 printed copies
- Portfolio – Physical or digital examples of your work
- Notebook and pen – For taking notes on conversations
- Phone charger – You will be networking and possibly connecting on LinkedIn
- Water bottle – Stay hydrated during a busy event
- Business cards – Optional but professional
Ready to Put These Tips into Practice?
Join thousands of women who have landed tech roles through WomenHack career fairs. Our events connect you directly with hiring managers from companies committed to diversity.