Ditch “The Shuffle”: How to Actually Show Up at a Job Fair (or Interview)

Last week, I was at a job fair. Dozens of tables. Hundreds of candidates. Energy everywhere.
And amid the resumes, the company swag, and the clamor of recruiters trying to stand out, I noticed something:

The Shuffle.

If you’ve ever been to a job fair, you’ve seen it.

That moment when a job seeker approaches a table, nervous, overwhelmed, arms full of flyers and free snacks, then suddenly realizes they have no idea where their resume is. Papers start falling. There’s a quick dig through a goodie bag. A stressed-out shuffle. Maybe even some finger-licking to separate pages (please don’t do this).

Listen, I get it. Job fairs are overstimulating, overwhelming, and often chaotic.

But that’s exactly why you need to bring calm and confidence with you. Every table you approach is an opportunity to make a meaningful connection, not just a pitstop on your hunt for another free pen.

Let’s talk about what to do instead of The Shuffle.

1. Come Prepared. Like, Actually Prepared

This means more than printing off resumes.

Bring a professional-looking folder or leather-bound portfolio. Something that holds your documents without turning them into a scavenger hunt. No stapled packets. No folded-in-half resumes shoved between flyers from the last table.

And while we’re here: skip the staples altogether. Recruiters often scan resumes later. Don’t make them stop to pry staples out. It’s a small thing that makes a big difference.

2. Pre-Position Your Resume

This is a tiny move that makes a huge impact:

Before you walk up to a new table, slide the top edge of your next resume just slightly out of your folder, so if it’s requested, you can hand it over smoothly and confidently.

No fumbling. No digging through a bag of tchotchkes.
No flipping through a messy stack of who-knows-what.
 

Just a clean, confident hand-off.

3. Pause Between Conversations

Here’s something most job seekers don’t do: take a beat.

After you speak to one employer, don’t rush straight to the next. Find a quiet corner, jot down a few notes about the conversation you just had, then reset before approaching your next table.

You might make a few laps around the room, and that’s fine.

 Intentional beats frantic, every single time.

4. Keep Your Focus (and Your Fingers) to Yourself

Job fairs are full of distractions. Giveaways, snacks, chatter. It’s a lot. But don’t lose sight of why you’re there: to make a memorable connection. That means:

• Don’t grab every piece of swag just because it’s free.

• Don’t walk up mid-bite with cracker crumbs on your shirt.

• Don’t pick your nose. Don’t lick your fingers. Don’t mess with your eyes or nails while talking to a recruiter. 

Yes, I’ve seen all of these. More than once.

A Final Word

When I do career coaching, I walk clients through this exact process. I physically show them how to approach a table or walk into an interview with confidence. Because your qualifications matter, but how you present yourself in those first 10 seconds? That’s what they’ll remember.

So whether you’re prepping for a job fair or your next interview, do yourself a favor: ditch The Shuffle.

Show up like you know your worth.
Bring calm into the chaos.
And maybe leave the free snacks for after the offer.

Want help prepping for your next job fair or interview?

Send me a DM to book a 1:1 career coaching session. I’ll help you craft your message, clean up your approach, and walk in like you already belong.