Students moved between rows of employer booths at the University of Northern Iowa Career Fair this week, exchanging handshakes, introductions and conversations that often mattered more than the résumés they carried.
Held at the McLeod Center, the event brought together organizations from across Iowa and beyond, offering students opportunities to explore internships, full-time positions and professional connections.
For many recruiters, first impressions began before qualifications were discussed.
One interaction on the career fair floor illustrated how small moments can shape professional opportunities.
Heidi Soethout, representing the Iowa Department of Corrections’ Sixth Judicial District, paused to compliment sophomore computer science major Tory Wash after he approached her table with a firm handshake and steady eye contact. Smiling with clear enthusiasm, she responded, “That’s good stuff.”
Soethout asked Wash where he developed his confidence, and Wash credited his mother for encouraging strong interpersonal skills. Wash said he lives by: “Fake it til you make it, and the importance of projecting yourself with confidence.”
Impressed by the exchange, Soethout later contacted Wash’s mother to commend her. She also said she planned to connect him with information technology professionals, despite his major falling outside her agency’s typical hiring field.
“It’s really about the person,” Soethout said. “I look for energy, confidence and the ability to carry a conversation.”
Employers across the fair echoed similar priorities, emphasizing communication and adaptability over perfect academic records.
Nicholas Meyer of the Iowa Department of Revenue said technical knowledge can often be learned after hiring, but interpersonal skills remain essential.
Recruiters also addressed questions about using artificial intelligence to build résumés.
Kelli Breitbach, representing Wix, said AI tools can assist students but should not replace authenticity, noting that at Wix, “a human is still reviewing every résumé.”
At Mudd Advertising, recruiters said enthusiasm and genuine interest frequently separate candidates from the crowd.
“We want to see excitement and openness for opportunities,” said Maddy O’Neal of Mudd Advertising.
“If someone is just looking for a job and doesn’t care to get to know the organization, that stands out,” said Austin Boeschen, O’Neal’s co-worker at the booth.
Students attending the fair described navigating a competitive internship landscape while learning how to present themselves professionally.
Katelyn Hand, a UNI career-fair veteran attending her sixth fair, is a junior double majoring in psychology and marketing. Having already secured a summer internship, she attended primarily to network. 
“It’s ridiculously competitive,” Hand said. “There are so many students applying for the same opportunities.” Hand offered the advice for students attending career fairs, “Avoid being passive at the event, if you make eye contact, be willing to shake someone’s hand and have a conversation whether you’re interested in the job or not. Once you land an interview, be prepared and make it obvious that you’re interested in the organization and take the time to understand their mission and how you can contribute to it.”
Marketing junior Soren Maricle said persistence has become a key part of the process.
“I’ve already gone through multiple interviews,” Maricle said, adding that candidates have to keep showing up and trying again.
Not all attendees were current students. Anne, a UNI alumna returning to the Cedar Valley after working as a speech-language pathologist in rural nursing facilities, attended to reconnect with local employers.
Anne shared advice for students attending the career fair for the first time: lead with a “sense of curiosity.”
“You could find something in a completely different field, and you might be a hidden gem for that role, you can open doors to opportunities you didn’t know existed.”
In a competitive search, the fair reinforced a simple point: curious, authentic conversations open doors.
