5 answers
Jeffery
Student
New Orleans, Louisiana
1
Question
Asked
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What are some good (and bad) questions to ask employers at career fairs?
I have a career fair coming up soon. What are some good/bad question to ask employers? I would specifically like to know questions employers like to hear but hear often. I imagine just about all the students ask reps "what do you do everyday?" or "what does this company do?".
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5 answers
Angel S
UI/UX Design Aspirant
186
Answers
India
Updated
Angel’s Answer
Good questions to ask employers at career fairs include:
"What skills or experiences are most important for this role?"
"What are the key challenges your team is facing?"
"What opportunities for growth or professional development are available?"
Avoid questions like:
"What do you do every day?" (Too vague and common)
"What does your company do?" (Shows lack of research)
"What’s the salary?" (Inappropriate early on)
"What skills or experiences are most important for this role?"
"What are the key challenges your team is facing?"
"What opportunities for growth or professional development are available?"
Avoid questions like:
"What do you do every day?" (Too vague and common)
"What does your company do?" (Shows lack of research)
"What’s the salary?" (Inappropriate early on)
Elizabeth Thesing
Engineering
5
Answers
Springfield, Ohio
Updated
Elizabeth’s Answer
I agree with the answers above, but keep an open mind at the career fair. A company may have an interesting booth or be recruiting for degrees you didn't think they would recruit from, and you may be interested. Talk to those companies even if you aren't prepared! I often had students stopping by to ask about the demo my company had on display, and hadn't heard of our company. If they showed interest, asked relevant questions about the demo or the products after a brief explanation, I would rate their resume higher on our list of potential interviewees.
If you do take this approach, don't be afraid to start out by explaining that you don't know a lot about the company but are interested in learning about their ______ (demo, product examples, poster at the booth, etc). Take time to list and focus in on anything that interests you, and ask follow up questions about that topic. If you find you're not interested after all, be polite about it and if asked for a resume do give them one. You might find in researching the company later that they work in some cool areas that you weren't able to learn about in a few minutes at the booth.
If you do take this approach, don't be afraid to start out by explaining that you don't know a lot about the company but are interested in learning about their ______ (demo, product examples, poster at the booth, etc). Take time to list and focus in on anything that interests you, and ask follow up questions about that topic. If you find you're not interested after all, be polite about it and if asked for a resume do give them one. You might find in researching the company later that they work in some cool areas that you weren't able to learn about in a few minutes at the booth.
Guy Léonard
Retiree
8
Answers
Baelen, Walloon Region
Updated
Guy’s Answer
Good Questions to Ask
These demonstrate your interest, research, and thoughtfulness.
About the Role and Opportunities
“What types of roles or internships are available for someone with my skills and experience?”
Shows you're aligning yourself with their needs.
“What skills or experiences do you look for in a candidate for this specific position?”
Demonstrates a focus on self-improvement and relevance.
“Can you tell me about a typical day for someone in this role?”
Provides insight into the job's daily responsibilities.
About the Company
“What are the company’s goals and values, and how does this department contribute to them?”
Reflects a long-term interest in the organization.
“How does your company support professional development and growth for employees?”
Shows you're looking to build a career, not just secure a job.
“What do you enjoy most about working at this company?”
Encourages a personal connection and helps you learn about company culture.
Future-Focused
“What challenges or trends do you see impacting this industry in the next few years?”
Positions you as forward-thinking and industry-aware.
“Are there opportunities to transition between departments or roles within the company?”
Reflects adaptability and interest in career progression.
Next Steps
“What are the next steps in the recruitment process, and when can I expect to hear back?”
Shows you’re serious about moving forward.
“Can I connect with you on LinkedIn or follow up with additional questions?”
Politely keeps the conversation open for future interaction.
Bad Questions to Avoid
These may come across as unprepared, entitled, or overly focused on personal benefits.
Unprepared or Generic Questions
“What does your company do?”
Indicates you haven’t done any research beforehand.
“Do you have any jobs for me?”
Too vague and self-centered.
“How much does this position pay?” (unless the recruiter brings it up)
Salary discussions are best saved for later in the hiring process.
Questions Showing Lack of Interest
“Can I work from home?” (unless remote work is explicitly discussed)
May seem like you’re more focused on convenience than the role itself.
“How soon can I take time off?”
Suggests a lack of commitment before even starting.
“What’s your vacation policy?”
This can be asked later in the process, not at an initial introduction.
Too Personal or Irrelevant Questions
“How quickly can I get promoted?”
Can come across as impatient or entitled.
“Do you do background checks or drug tests?”
Raises unnecessary red flags about your suitability for the role.
These demonstrate your interest, research, and thoughtfulness.
About the Role and Opportunities
“What types of roles or internships are available for someone with my skills and experience?”
Shows you're aligning yourself with their needs.
“What skills or experiences do you look for in a candidate for this specific position?”
Demonstrates a focus on self-improvement and relevance.
“Can you tell me about a typical day for someone in this role?”
Provides insight into the job's daily responsibilities.
About the Company
“What are the company’s goals and values, and how does this department contribute to them?”
Reflects a long-term interest in the organization.
“How does your company support professional development and growth for employees?”
Shows you're looking to build a career, not just secure a job.
“What do you enjoy most about working at this company?”
Encourages a personal connection and helps you learn about company culture.
Future-Focused
“What challenges or trends do you see impacting this industry in the next few years?”
Positions you as forward-thinking and industry-aware.
“Are there opportunities to transition between departments or roles within the company?”
Reflects adaptability and interest in career progression.
Next Steps
“What are the next steps in the recruitment process, and when can I expect to hear back?”
Shows you’re serious about moving forward.
“Can I connect with you on LinkedIn or follow up with additional questions?”
Politely keeps the conversation open for future interaction.
Bad Questions to Avoid
These may come across as unprepared, entitled, or overly focused on personal benefits.
Unprepared or Generic Questions
“What does your company do?”
Indicates you haven’t done any research beforehand.
“Do you have any jobs for me?”
Too vague and self-centered.
“How much does this position pay?” (unless the recruiter brings it up)
Salary discussions are best saved for later in the hiring process.
Questions Showing Lack of Interest
“Can I work from home?” (unless remote work is explicitly discussed)
May seem like you’re more focused on convenience than the role itself.
“How soon can I take time off?”
Suggests a lack of commitment before even starting.
“What’s your vacation policy?”
This can be asked later in the process, not at an initial introduction.
Too Personal or Irrelevant Questions
“How quickly can I get promoted?”
Can come across as impatient or entitled.
“Do you do background checks or drug tests?”
Raises unnecessary red flags about your suitability for the role.
Aline Paulino
Senior Human Resources Director
1
Answer
São Paulo, Brazil
Updated
Aline’s Answer
Hello Jeffery, I strongly suggest that you delve into some preliminary research about the companies or sectors that pique your interest the most. Get to know them through their websites and social media platforms. Understand their culture, mission, values, strategies, and even some financial aspects. This will equip you to engage in more meaningful discussions about the company and how it aligns with your personal values and goals. Be true to yourself, genuine and organized. Create a personal "pitch" that encapsulates who you are and what you're passionate about. This will allow you to share your profile in a compelling way!
Trisha Borme
Talent Acquisition - Hiring
18
Answers
North Kingstown, Rhode Island
Updated
Trisha’s Answer
You typically have limited time with a recruiter during job fairs. However, I agree with Aline. Do you research and understand who will attend and what they do. It's so impressive for someone to share I read up on your company and, "I was impressed with ....
Introduce yourself ... your elevator pitch. Be personable and thank them for their time. See if you can write down their name and send them a connection on LinkedIn sharing you enjoyed meeting them at the career fair and you are very interested in their company. Go the extra mile to show your interest and how your skills will align with the company. You got this!!
Introduce yourself ... your elevator pitch. Be personable and thank them for their time. See if you can write down their name and send them a connection on LinkedIn sharing you enjoyed meeting them at the career fair and you are very interested in their company. Go the extra mile to show your interest and how your skills will align with the company. You got this!!