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I attended a career fair recently, and it was a dynamic and engaging experience. Employer booths lined the walls, with eager students moving from table to table, asking questions and learning about various organizations—each hoping to make a strong enough impression to get their resume to the top of the pile. There was no doubt that students were visible, but I found myself wondering—were they memorable?

The environment was busy and loud, with a constant hum of conversation. I stood there and observed, some students approached with confidence and clarity, while others were quieter, more reserved in their questioning. Employers stood behind their tables, speaking with one person after another, occasionally jotting down notes. The scene reminded me of the energy of the stock market—everyone trying to be seen, heard, and remembered.

As I stood nearby, chatting with a few attendees before they dove into the whirlwind of conversations, I looked around and thought: visibility is one thing, but how does someone stand out in a sea of faces and handshakes? With each employer potentially speaking to 100 people in a day, what makes one candidate stick in their mind?

That’s where intention comes in. Being memorable isn’t just about showing up—it’s about showing how you can add value. It’s about engaging in authentic conversations, asking thoughtful questions, and making a genuine connection that goes beyond the resume.

Here are some ideas and thoughts on being memorable:

Create Anchor Points

• There is a need to realize who you are so anchor points are the five things (I think five is a good number for some level of depth) where you can articulate who you are. These are your values or your unique differentiator. Most who come to the career fair will be asking the standard questions but if you come in with things that are important to you and you can articulate that, they will remember you.

Preparation is Critical

• Research the companies – Don’t just show up and thing that you can talk to a recruiter and learn on the spot. By doing some research and learning about their values and mission will be important because you are showing you value who they are.
• Tailor your resume – If you have researched key companies attending, try and tailor a few of your resumes to them so it is more in line and not generic. Only do this for the select few that you would really like to target.
• Craft a 30-second pitch – Your pitch is sharing who you are and how you can add value. This could be what you are studying and how it might align to the company. The only caution is to create this so it has flow and not transactional. Make it so it is like you are having a conversation. It should feel natural and not scripted.

At the Career Fair:

• Dress up but not over the top. One can dress up and you can dress it down but you can’t go casual and try to dress it up. Look professional and employers value that you went the extra mile. It also makes you look confident and ready for the company environment.
• To be memorable, maybe add a subtle personal touch like a colourful scarf or a nice tie. It might be a way they remember you. Maybe comment on something the person is wearing but don’t overdo it and make it sound disingenuous.
• Take some resumes but some employers may not want it so accept that. It is better to have it on hand in case they ask, but then share with them in a conversation some of your highlights that would apply to the position.
• It is totally fine to ask if they would connect with you on Linked In (so have a good Linked In profile). Be prepared that they might not want to or would say that they only accept those who they know better. Don’t take this personally.
• Business cards seem to be phasing out so maybe a QR code or other ways to connect might be appropriate. If you have a QR code or a website that is like your profile, that is a very good way to share it with the employer and you will be memorable because you have gone the extra mile.

Ask Thoughtful Questions

• Don’t go up and ask, “What roles are you hiring for?” Instead, try and come up with more questions to start the conversation because that is what it is…a conversation.
• You could ask things like:
  • What do you enjoy most about the organization?
  • What are some programs that you are working on that you are enjoying?
  • What made you decide to join the organization?
  • As someone who is a life long learner, are there opportunities for internal or external programs that are available?
  • What is one thing you would hope students ask you at this career fair?

Follow Up Is important

• If you are connecting with the recruiter, be sure to send a quick and personalized Linked In message and if you had a conversation and something that stood out, remind them of that conversation so they remember you.
• If you are reaching out again, attach a copy of your resume again so they can have it handy.
• Thank them for their time and you appreciated meeting them.

It is not too difficult to get lost in the crowd so take the time and effort to be memorable. One person today stood out for me and I can see they will go far and I am totally comfortable supporting their journey. Be visible and memorable because you can be seen but can you be remembered?