Photo Goldey-Beacom College job fair “HireAbout” last year.
Recruiters repeatedly emphasized that soft skills often make the difference when evaluating potential candidates.
Yoselin Negrete, Journalist, Town Square LIVE.
WILMINGTON, Del. — More than 30 employers gathered at Goldey-Beacom College this week for a career fair designed to connect students with internships, job opportunities, and professional advice as they prepare to enter the workforce.
The event, held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., brought approximately 32 companies and organizations to campus, giving students the chance to meet recruiters, learn about potential career paths and practice professional networking skills.
Employers representing industries from finance to government participated, including Bank of America, Robert Half, Sallie Mae and the State of Delaware.
Throughout the event, students circulated between booths, asking questions about hiring needs, internships and entry-level opportunities. Many attendees arrived dressed in business or business-casual attire and appeared confident while engaging recruiters in conversation.
Recruiters highlight soft skills
While technical qualifications remain important, recruiters repeatedly emphasized that soft skills often make the difference when evaluating potential candidates. Lori, a recruiter with J & J Staffing Resources, said punctuality, professionalism and strong communication are among the most important qualities students can demonstrate when meeting employers.
She noted that one of the most common mistakes at career fairs is a lack of preparation.
“Sometimes students walk in without researching companies or thinking about what they want to ask,” she said. “Preparation and making a strong first impression are critical.”
Liz Milligan, talent manager at Robert Half, echoed that perspective, saying recruiters often look for candidates willing to step forward and start a conversation.
“Communication and asking questions really stand out,” Milligan said. “One mistake we see is students being shy or simply passing by booths without engaging. Being open-minded and proactive can make a big difference.”
Engagement key to standing out
Across the room, recruiters reported steady traffic and active conversations with students interested in learning more about potential careers.
Observers noted strong interaction between students and employers throughout the fair, with many students taking time to introduce themselves, discuss career interests, and collect information about opportunities.
Recruiters said that initiative — simply approaching a booth and starting a conversation — is often the first step toward making a lasting impression.
The overall message from employers was consistent: confidence, communication, and professionalism remain essential skills for students hoping to stand out in a competitive job market.
Career fairs like the one hosted at Goldey-Beacom provide students with an early opportunity to practice those skills while building connections that could lead to internships or future employment.
Delaware LIVE collaborates with a network of professional journalists to cover a diverse range of stories across various fields. Staff Writers include experienced journalists and young professionals. If you have questions, please feel free to contact editor@delawarelive.com or our publisher, George D. Rotsch at George@Delawarelive.com
This post was originally published on TownSquareDelaware
