Virtual career fairs in Handshake allow employers to connect with students through 1:1 and group video sessions.
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 sessions, 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 schools require payment before participation. Once your registration is approved, submit payment using the method provided by the host school. 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 sessions – 30 minutes, unlimited students.
1:1 sessions – 10 minutes, one student per session.
Each registration allows up to 100 teammates to be assigned to sessions. 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 sessions. 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 sessions; employers cannot invite them directly. To increase participation:
Message students at the host school 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 sessions. 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 sessions
On the day of the fair:
Employers can start sessions 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 Sessions.
9. Follow up with students
After the fair, connect with students who participated in your sessions. 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.