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Virtual Fairs in Handshake: A Guide for Employers

Jennifer
  • Updated

Virtual career fairs in Handshake allow employers to connect with students through 1:1 and group video session. 

This guide walks you through the steps to prepare for and participate in a virtual fair, from registering and setting up schedules to claiming schedules for yourself or on behalf of a teammate, hosting session, and following up with students. 

 

 

1. Register for a virtual fair

To engage with students, you must have an approved registration. Review Registering for a Fair (Employers).

Tip: Connect your company’s current job postings with your registration. This highlights opportunities for students browsing the fair.

 

 

2. Submit payment (if required)

Some institutions require payment before participation. Once your registration is approved, submit payment using the method provided by the host institution. Learn How to Pay for a Career Fair Registration.

 

 

3. Set your schedule

After approval, create the initial schedule for your company. A schedule can include:

  • Group session – 30 minutes, unlimited students.

  • 1:1 session – 10 minutes, one student per session.

Each registration allows up to 100 teammates to be assigned to session. Learn more about Creating a Schedule for Virtual Fairs.

 

 

4. Claim your schedule (or a teammate’s)

Once the schedule is created, teammates must claim their assigned session. They can:

  • Click the link in the email invitation, or

  • Log in to Handshake, navigate to the fair, and claim their schedule under the Schedule tab.

A teammate can also claim a schedule on behalf of another teammate if needed. 

Learn more about Claiming a Virtual Fair Schedule.

 

 

5. Manage your schedule

Employers can update session details, reassign teammates, or adjust qualifications as needed. Read more about Managing Schedules for Virtual Fairs.

 

 

6. Encourage student signups

Students are responsible for signing up for session; employers cannot invite them directly. To increase participation:

  • Message students at the host institution on Handshake.

  • Encourage teammates to claim their schedules early, or claim on their behalf, so students have more options to sign up.

  • *Premium partners can also use campaigns to promote session. Learn more about Campaigns: Create an event, Fair or Branding Campaign.

 

 

7. Prepare for the day of the fair

Before the fair, review best practices to ensure a smooth event. Resources are available in Preparing for the Day-of a Virtual Fair.

 

 

8. Host your session

On the day of the fair:

  • Employers can start session up to 60 minutes early.

  • Students can join up to 5 minutes before the scheduled start time to test their connection.

Learn more about Hosting Virtual Fair Session.

 

 

9. Follow up with students

After the fair, connect with students who participated in your session. This may include:

  • Sending additional resources about your company.

  • Thanking them for their time.

  • Scheduling interviews for strong candidates.

For more information, refer to Following Up After a Virtual Fair.

 

 

Additional resources