Job Fair

Attending a job fair is a great opportunity to connect with employers, explore career options, and practice professional networking. Preparing ahead of time and following up afterward can help you stand out and make meaningful connections. Even if an employer is not hiring right now, networking at a job fair can lead to future opportunities. Every conversation is a chance to build a professional connection.

Before the Fair

• Research employers: Review the list of employers attending the fair. Learn about their organization, open positions, and the skills they seek. This will help you ask informed questions and show genuine interest.

• Prepare your materials: Bring multiple copies of your resume, tailored to your field or industry. Consider bringing a folder or portfolio to keep materials organized.

• Practice your introduction: Prepare a brief 30-second introduction that includes your name, your program of study or experience, and the type of opportunities you are seeking.

• Dress professionally: Wear clean, neat, and professional attire. Business casual or business professional is usually appropriate unless otherwise stated.

During the Fair

• Plan your approach: Take a quick walk around the fair to see which employers are present. Visit your top choices early, while you are fresh and lines are shorter.

• Make a strong first impression: Greet employers with confidence, make eye contact, and offer a firm handshake. Introduce yourself clearly and professionally.

• Ask thoughtful questions: Instead of asking only if they are hiring, ask about company culture, typical career paths, or what skills they value most in candidates.

• Take notes: After speaking with each employer, write down key details about the conversation. This will help when you follow up later.

• Collect contact information: Ask for a business card or the best way to follow up. This shows professionalism and interest.

After the Fair

• Follow up promptly: Send a brief thank-you email within 24–48 hours. Mention something specific from your conversation and express your continued interest.

• Apply and reflect: Apply to positions discussed at the fair and review your experience. Identify what went well and what you can improve for future events.

Videos

• Tips for Virtual Career Fairs
• Creating your Personal Elevator Pitch
• Body Language Tips
• How to Network
• Networking for Introverts

Other Tips

• In-Depth Tips for a Successful Career Fair
• Guide to Business Attire

Explore the Career Center Resources webpage to prepare for the following:

• Career Development & Planning
• Career Assessments
• Resumes, Cover Letters & Other Resources
• Job Search Strategies
• Job Interviews
• Professional Workplace Etiquette & Expectations

Welcome, Employers!

We are excited to have you on campus and appreciate your support of Olympic College and our students. Your participation helps prepare our students for life after graduation, and we’re grateful for the time and energy you’re investing. To help ensure a positive and productive experience for everyone involved, we ask that all employer representatives follow these guidelines during their time at the event:

• All Years, All Majors: We actively invite all students to attend recruitment events. Our recruiting events also are open to all OC disciplines, so you may interact with students representing a wide array of majors interested in exploring different career paths. Even if your organization does not have openings that match a student’s major or interest, please know that showing interest and building relationships with all students you encounter will have a positive effect on your company’s reputation on campus.
• Belonging & Community Transformation: While on campus, you will meet students from different cultures, backgrounds, identities, and more. We uphold a strong commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all. Discriminatory language or behavior, whether from employers or students, will not be tolerated. We ask that all employer representatives approach interactions with openness, curiosity, and respect.
• International Students: Did you know hiring international students is often simpler than expected? OC has a vibrant community of international students who bring unique perspectives and valuable skills. If you’re unsure about the CPT or OPT process or have specific questions, please reach out to our International Education Department.

Your conversations and interactions, whether about open roles, career paths, or general advice, are powerful learning moments for our students. They help students become more career-ready and better prepared for life beyond college. We hope you’ll welcome questions and engagement from all OC students, regardless of background or career focus. Your openness makes a difference, and we’re thankful to have you with us.

Thank you again for your partnership and presence. We’re glad you’re here!

Please request a Free Daily Visitor Parking Pass here, for the date of the event. Visitor parking passes MUST be completed online.

• Parking Map
• Review OC Parking Policies

• OC Job Fair Location, Check-In, and Unloading Materials
• Bremerton Campus Map

Wi-Fi is available on campus. Please keep in mind that many employers and students will be utilizing Wi-Fi access during the event, and speeds may be compromised.  

If you have requested access to electricity, we will do our best to accommodate your request.

The closest hotel accommodations to the event location are the Hampton Inn & Suites and Fairfield Inn & Suites.

For additional lodging options, please see local listings here.

How to make a payment:

• Online: Visit this link.
• By phone: Call the Cashier’s Office at: 360-475-7181.
• By check: Mail to the following address:
  Career Center
  c/o Olympic College
  Cashier’s Office
  1600 Chester Avenue
  Bremerton, WA 98337

• Alderbrook Resort
• Andersen Construction
• Auburn Police Department
• Central Kitsap School District
• Cochran Inc.
• COPE Health Scholars
• Jefferson Healthcare
• Kitsap 911
• Kitsap Community Resources / Asset Building Coalition of Kitsap
• Kitsap County
• Kitsap Medical Group
• KWA Home Care, Korean Women's Association (KWA)
• Mason County
• Northwoods Lodge
• Office of the Washington State Auditor
• Olympic College Human Resources
• Port Gamble S'Klallam
• Q.E.D. Systems
• Renewal by Andersen
• Strategic Systems Programs
• The Odom Corporation
• The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties
• Venture Dynamics Northwest
• Virginia Mason Franciscan Health
• WA Dept. of Veterans Affairs
• Washington State University
• Western Washington University on the Peninsulas
• West Sound Workforce
• WorkSource
• Yakima County