Whenever I’ve attended a college fair on the part of my employers, I’ve gone there looking to fill a specific position (or more). Not all companies have an immediate opening (or one that coincides with your graduation date)—but most of them are there to fill jobs.
Part of the problem for both employer and candidate is the sheer volume of candidates at such events. They really don’t lend themselves to getting to know each other, to asking in-depth questions—and the line behind you needs to be screened, too.
Understand that I may have only one vacancy to fill each year with a new-college grad. And there are about a hundred students that I’ll see.
So, yes—it’s like that for most people. Probably for 95% of them.
Other companies come to campus apparently to build brand awareness, and not much else. Ask your career placement office which companies actually hired students last year, and focus your efforts on those companies.
If you’re really, truly interested in a company and you know that they’re attending your school’s career fair, they may have sent you an email alerting you to the fact that they’ll be there in the coming days (maybe you joined their “talent community,” online?). Instead of waiting in line with the rest of your competition, reply to that email, and ask if you can meet with a recruiter before or after the career fair, one-on-one. (You could even offer to help them lug their boxes to/from their car as they set up or tear down!).
They may not accept your request, but try it—see what happens!
They’ll likely appreciate your interest and your tactics—and you’ll get a personal audience with them without yelling at each other over the din!
A fair number of companies stick around the day after the career fair to do interviews with their top candidates. Find out if where those interviews are held, and see if the career office can hook you up with any vacant interview slots (some students no-show, or can’t come to meet with us). (Bring your resume, wear a suit, and be ready for anything.)
It’s a long-shot, but what else are you doing? :-) Go for it!