Before the Virtual Career Fair: Preparation is Key
Research Employers & Opportunities
- Review the list (located above) of participating employers well in advance. Take notes on company mission statements, recent news, open roles, and qualifications.
- Identify your top 5–10 employers and think about how your skills align with what they’re seeking.
- Prepare a 30–60 second elevator pitch that summarizes who you are, what you’re studying (or your background), and what you’re seeking in your career.
Polish Your Resume & Online Presence
- Ensure your resume is tailored for the types of roles you’re pursuing. Include keywords from job postings to pass applicant tracking systems (ATS).
- Update your LinkedIn or other professional profiles to reflect current skills, internships, certifications, and accomplishments.
- Save your resume with a professional filename (e.g., “FirstLast_Resume_2025”) and keep both Word and PDF versions handy.
Not sure what your resume should look like? Check out or download this example.
Practice & Test Your Tech
- Test your internet speed, camera, and microphone in advance. Use headphones to reduce background noise.
- Choose a professional, quiet, and well-lit space—avoid cluttered or noisy environments.
- Dress in business professional attire, even if you’re participating from home. This sets the tone and boosts your confidence.
Contact your Director of Career Services (Ground Campuses) or your Career Services Advisor (Online Campus) HERE if you want help with an elevator pitch, resume support, practice your interview skills, or any other career services.
During the Virtual Career Fair: Be Present and Make Connections
Arrive Early and Stay Organized
- Log in 10–15 minutes early to troubleshoot technical issues and review the fair’s layout (employer booths, session links, etc.).
- Keep your resume, a notepad, and your elevator pitch close by.
- Having a list of target employers and questions will keep you focused.
Engage with Confidence
- Introduce yourself clearly and confidently using your elevator pitch. Use proper grammar and maintain eye contact (by looking into the camera).
- Ask meaningful questions that reflect your research: “What qualities do you look for in candidates for this role?” or “Can you describe a typical day or team dynamic?”
- Show genuine interest and enthusiasm for the company—not just the job opening.
Maximize Your Time
- Don’t limit yourself to only the employers you researched—sometimes the best connections come from unexpected conversations.
- Take brief notes after each interaction: who you spoke to, what you discussed, and any next steps.
After the Virtual Career Fair: Follow Through to Stand Out
Send Prompt Thank-You Messages
- Email a thank-you note within 24–48 hours to each recruiter you connected with.
- Reference something specific from your conversation to jog their memory and reinforce your interest. Example: “Thank you for sharing more about your internship program—it was inspiring to hear about the mentorship opportunities your team offers.”
Apply Strategically and Stay Organized
- Follow through on any application instructions the recruiters provided.
- Use a job tracker to log companies, application statuses, recruiter names, and follow-up dates.
- Continue engaging with employers via LinkedIn by liking their posts, commenting thoughtfully, or sending a professional connection request.
Reflect and Refine Your Strategy
- What went well? Where did you feel unsure? Use this feedback to improve for future events.
- Schedule time with Career Services to practice follow-up emails, interview preparation, or resume revisions.
- Consider sharing your experience in class, with peers, or on LinkedIn to build your network and confidence.
Nursing Resume
Medical Assistant Resume
Download as a PDF
Download as a Word Document
Need a Professional Background? For Windows users, right click and save as the picture. For Mac users, right-click the image, or hold down control and then click the photo to open a drop-down menu. Save picture to the desktop to make it easy to find.
Need directions on how to install the background?
✅ 1. Check System Requirements
Zoom virtual backgrounds work best if your device meets the following:
- Zoom Version: Desktop client version 5.2.0 or higher
- Operating System:
- Windows 7 or later (64-bit)
- macOS 10.13 or later
- Most recent versions of iOS and Android (for mobile)
- Processor:
- Intel i5 (6th gen or higher) or AMD equivalent for background without a green screen
- Lower specs may still work, but a green screen may be required
✅ 2. Update Zoom
Make sure you’re using the latest Zoom version:
- Open the Zoom Desktop App
- Click your profile picture (top right) > Check for Updates
✅ 3. Enable Virtual Background
- Sign in to Zoom desktop app
- Click the gear icon (⚙️) in the top-right corner to open Settings
- Go to the Background & Effects tab
- Under Virtual Backgrounds, you’ll see default Zoom options
✅ 4. Add Your Own Virtual Background
- In Background & Effects, click the “+” icon
- Choose Add Image or Add Video
- Select a file from your computer
Zoom supports:
- Images: JPG, PNG
- Videos: MP4, MOV
✅ 5. During a Zoom Meeting
You can also change your background while in a meeting:
- Click the up arrow (^) next to the Stop Video button
- Choose “Choose Virtual Background”
- Select or upload a background
📱 Mobile (iOS/Android)
- Start or join a Zoom meeting
- Tap More (three dots in bottom right)
- Tap Background & Effects
- Select or upload a background (images only on mobile)
We highly recommend you use a computer.
✅ Tips for Best Results
- Wear clothes that are different in color from your virtual background
- Use a solid background (ideally green)
- Good lighting helps Zoom separate you from your background
If you need assistance, contact your Director of Career Services (Ground Campuses) or your Career Services Advisor (Online Campus) HERE.