12 Networking Strategies for Recent Graduates

5. Attend Virtual Career Fairs and Industry Events

Virtual career fairs let you meet multiple recruiters in one session without travel, but they require preparation to stand out. Test your camera and microphone beforehand, prepare a 30-second pitch that states your major, top skill, and the roles you want, and have your résumé and LinkedIn profile link ready to paste. When you chat with a recruiter, ask one specific question about their hiring process and one about company culture; this signals both interest and fit. Collect contact details and send a tailored follow-up within 24–48 hours that references your conversation and provides one extra detail, like a project link. Use event attendee lists to connect with other grads or young professionals who shared a panel; building peer networks expands your reach too. If a company asks you to apply online, still send a follow-up message to the recruiter mentioning your submission.