The Virtual Fair on Handshake
Schools are able to host virtual fairs in Handshake- the WSU Fall Career Expo & Technical Fair will be virtual this year, hosted through Handshake (save the dates: October 5-7, 2020)! Once the employer’s registration is approved by the school, employers are able to generate session schedules for the representatives who will be present.
Employers are able to host two types of sessions to interact with students:
- Group Sessions: 30 minutes each, up to 50 students can attend
- 1:1 Sessions: 10-minutes each, one student and one employer representative can attend
In these sessions, employers will be identified as the Host, and they will be able to share their screen with participants.
Registering and signing up for sessions
To sign up for sessions with employers, you must be registered for the WSU Fall Virtual Career Expo & Technical Fair. Register for each day here:
To sign up for Group or 1:1 sessions, your profile privacy will need to be set to Community or Employers. For more information on profile privacy, please see Profile Privacy Options in Handshake.
Review which employers are attending the fair (follow employers you want to meet). Keep in mind that you can register for sessions as soon as they are made available by the employer and up to one (1) minute before the start time; once the session has started, you’ll be unable to sign up for the session.
Participating in the Career Fair
All sessions will have the option for Handshake video, audio and text based chat. There is no customization for types of interaction; it is up to the employer and student joining the session to determine how they would like to connect. As long as you’re signed up for the session successfully, you’ll be able to launch video at any point after the session has started.
FAQs
Will students be able to submit their resumes to employers? Without joining sessions?
Yes! Students will be able to sign up to meet with employers in 1:1 and group sessions during a virtual fair, and employers will have access to these students’ resumes before and after the fair. Additionally, employers will have access to your Handshake Profile. As soon as possible, you should update your profile and add a current resume. Voiland College Career Services can help you with your resume.
Will students who live internationally be able to participate?
There are no restrictions by location, so as long as the student has logged into Handshake they will be able to participate.
Can a student see previously attended sessions?
Yes! Students will be able to see their previous sessions within the Handshake sessions tab.
Will students, employers and career staff have access to transcripts of the chats they had during the virtual fair?
Transcripts will not be provided for conversations held during the fair. Instead, there will be moderation options for students and employers to utilize during conversations.
The VCEA Internships & Career Services office is happy to help you with Career Fair questions, preparation & more! Drop us an email (vcea.internships@wsu.edu) and we’d be happy to assist you virtually via Zoom, over email, or on the phone!
Read Handshake’s full Guide to Attending a Virtual Fair and watch Handshake’s video on Locating and Registering for Virtual Fairs