Career Fair: Practice Your Pitch

Career fairs are events that connects McMaster students and alumni with employers to provide information to students, about their respective companies and organizations. Most importantly, they provide information about their recruiting process.
February 11, 2025

Your elevator pitch is a short description of your background, skills and interests that can help generate conversation and make an excellent first impression. 

Craft your elevator pitch  

  • Who are you?  
  • Name, what you do or want to do.
  • What are your strengths?  
  • Relevant skills, experience and knowledge. 
  • What are you seeking?  
  • Indicate interest in their organization/industry and why. 

Elevator Pitch: Example 1

“Hello, I am [your name], a [ your level and program] student with experience in [list functions/capabilities]. My strengths and interests include [unique activities/professional qualities]. I have worked with [list relevant organizations/industries]. I am seeking opportunities in [industries/fields].”

Then, end with a question to ask them about their organization, role or industry to keep the conversation going.

Elevator Pitch: Example 2

“Hello, my name is [your name]. Nice to meet you. I understand that your organization does [research what the organization does]. While pursuing my degree in [your degree], I have developed skills in [select 1 to 3 relevant skills]. I am at Career Fair because I am interested in learning more information about how I can use these skills in your industry.”

“In addition to my education, I have also worked in [again, draw upon something relevant]. Is there someone at your organization who I could contact? May I mention that I spoke to you at Career Fair?”

Elevator Pitch: Example 3

“Hi, my name is [your name]. How are you enjoying the job fair today? I am very interested to find out that your company was going to be here today as I learned about the new grad recruitment program you do in [research what the company does] area.”

“I have been really involved in student leadership opportunities and am seeking a chance to contributing my [example: leadership and analytical skills].”

“I am in my [year and program] and I was wondering about recommendations you have about experiences I should focus on getting if I’m targeting an opportunity in this [field/your organization]?”

Conversation starters: 

You don’t need to always start with your elevator pitch, here are some examples of ways to initiate a conversation with company representatives at a Career Fair. 

Some examples

  • “Hi, my name is [your name], and I’m currently studying [your Program]. I’m interested in [Field/Industry], and I’d love to hear more about the opportunities at [Company Name].”
  • “Could you share some advice on how someone with my background in [Your Program] could best prepare for a career at [Company Name]? ”
  • “I noticed that [Company Name] is known for [something about the company’s work]. Can you tell me more about what roles you’re currently recruiting for and what skills you find most valuable?”
  • “I’ve been following your recent initiatives in [specific project or field], and I’m really impressed. Could you tell me how new hires are involved in similar projects? ”

Prepare additional questions  

Being curious and interested in the company, person and industry is a great way to keep the conversation going and to learn more to guide your job or career exploration. Adjust your questions based on who you are talking to. 

Some examples

  • “What type of [work or volunteer] experiences should I focus on getting if I am targeting an opportunity in your team?”
  • “What training would you recommend getting that would be most marketable in [name the field]?”
  • “Are there individuals in your organization who may be willing to share their career stories with me?”
  • “What advice do you have for university students/graduates regarding their job search and in this field?”

Additional resources

Career Fair: Preparation
Career Fair: After the Fair