How to Attend Grace Hopper as an Active Job Seeker: A Strategic Guide From Someone Who's Been There

Oct 29

Introduction: When Everything Changes in One Week

I lost my job on Tuesday. I'm flying to Grace Hopper on Monday.

But let me clarify something important: I'm not desperately throwing my resume at every company that will take it. I'm in my master's program. I graduate next October—nearly a year from now. I might take a position before then if it's the right one. I might wait until after graduation. I'm open to the RIGHT opportunity—not just any opportunity.

Here's what makes this year different from my previous four Grace Hopper conferences:

Twice I attended as a nervous student wondering if I belonged. Once as a confident attendee who got her Boeing offer during an onsite interview at the conference. Once from a stable position, just exploring and learning.

This year? I'm navigating one of the toughest tech job markets in recent history. I'm competing with thousands of other talented people at this conference alone. And I'm being strategic about it because I can't afford to waste this opportunity—but I also can't afford to take the wrong opportunity out of fear.

Here's the uncomfortable truth nobody wants to say out loud: the tech job market is rough right now. Companies are being selective. Hiring timelines are longer. Competition is fierce. There are literally thousands of qualified candidates at Grace Hopper alone, all vying for limited positions.

And yet, this makes the conference more important, not less.

When the market is tight, strategy matters more than ever. Random networking and hoping for the best won't cut it. You need a plan. You need clarity about what you want. You need to stand out among thousands of other qualified people.

This is my strategic guide to attending Grace Hopper—or any major tech conference—when you're navigating a challenging job market with 6 days to prepare.

The Mindset Shift: Strategic Job Seeker vs. Desperate Job Seeker

The first thing you need to understand is that there's a massive difference between being an active, strategic job seeker and being desperate.

The Desperate Job Seeker Says: "I'll take anything." "I just need a job." "Please hire me." "I'm open to any role."

The Strategic Job Seeker Says: "I'm exploring roles in [specific area] where I can make an impact." "I'm looking for positions that align with [specific criteria]." "I'm open to the right opportunity, and I know what 'right' looks like for me." "I'm building relationships that might lead to opportunities when the timing is right."

See the difference? One signals scarcity. The other signals selectivity.

And here's the counterintuitive part: being selective makes you more attractive. Companies want people who want THEM specifically, not people who just need any job.

The mindset shift for a tough market:

❌ "I need to talk to everyone" ✅ "I need to have quality conversations with the right people"

❌ "I'll take any job to get my foot in the door" ✅ "I'm looking for the right fit where I can do my best work"

❌ "There are thousands of applicants—I don't have a chance" ✅ "There are thousands of applicants—so I need to be memorable and strategic"

❌ "I'm behind because I don't have a job yet" ✅ "I'm exactly where I need to be, building toward the right next step"

This shift changes everything about how you show up, what you say, and how companies perceive you.

The Reality Check: What You're Walking Into

Let's be honest about what you're facing at Grace Hopper this year.

The Numbers:

30,000 attendees
Most are talented, qualified candidates
Hundreds are competing for the same roles you want
Many companies are there for brand-building, not active hiring
The ones who ARE hiring have their pick of thousands of resumes

The Market:

Tech hiring has slowed significantly
Companies are more selective than ever
Interview processes are longer
Competition for each role is intense
"We'll get back to you" often means "probably not"

Why Perspective Matters:

You will have conversations that go nowhere. You will talk to companies that sound excited but never follow up. You will see other people getting interviews scheduled on the spot while you're still waiting to hear back from applications you submitted months ago.

None of this means you're failing. It means the market is tough and you're competing with thousands of other talented people.

The goal isn't to get a job offer at the conference. The goal is to build relationships, gather information, stay visible, and position yourself for opportunities when they arise—whether that's next month or after you graduate.

This is a long game, not a quick win.

Last-Minute Preparation (You Have 6 Days)

Most preparation guides assume you started planning weeks ago. But it's Monday and the conference is Monday. So let's focus on what you can actually do in the time you have.

Days 6-5: Research Phase

Identify Your Target Companies (2-3 hours)

You don't have time to research 50 companies. Pick 10-15 that genuinely interest you.

Your criteria should reflect YOUR priorities:

Geographic location (remote-friendly? Specific cities?)
Company stage (startup vs. established?)
Mission alignment (what problems do you want to solve?)
Technology stack (what do you want to work with?)
Culture indicators (work-life balance, team dynamics)
Whether they're actually hiring (check their careers page)

For me this year: I need remote or Seattle-based. I want AI/ML work. I care about mission and impact. I'm only interested in roles where I can grow and learn, not just any position. And I have nearly a year before I graduate, so I'm looking for timing alignment too.

Your list will look different. Be honest about what matters to you.

Quick Research Checklist:

Current open roles (even if not at GHC)
Recent company news or product launches
Who from the company is speaking at sessions
Employee sentiment (quick Glassdoor scan)
Visa sponsorship status if applicable

That's it. You don't need to know everything. You need to know enough to have an informed conversation.

Days 4-3: Materials Preparation

Resume Updates (2 hours max)

You don't have time to create 5 versions of your resume. Pick your top 2-3 target role types and tailor for those.

Update for:

Keywords from job descriptions you actually want
Your most relevant achievements for those roles
Technical skills prominently displayed
Quantifiable impact (numbers, percentages, scale)

Here's what matters: Bring 2-7 physical copies. That's it.

By Grace Hopper 2023, I learned that almost no companies accept paper resumes anymore. They'll scan QR codes, take your LinkedIn, or direct you to apply online. Don't waste space in your bag carrying 40 copies nobody wants.

Bring a few for the rare company that does take them, but your real resume is digital.

Prepare Your Digital Presence:

LinkedIn profile is current and complete
LinkedIn QR code ready to share (save screenshot)
Resume PDF saved on your phone
Portfolio/GitHub links easily accessible

Days 2-1: Pitch and Session Planning

Craft Your Pitch (1 hour)

You need one solid pitch. Not ten variations. One that you can adapt slightly based on who you're talking to.

Formula: "Hi, I'm [Name]. I'm [current status] focusing on [specific area]. I'm exploring opportunities in [type of role] where I can [specific value you bring]. I'm particularly interested in [their company] because of [specific reason]. What does your hiring process look like right now?"

My pitch this year: "Hi, I'm Kate. I'm finishing my master's in AI/ML—I graduate next October—and I have three years of software engineering experience. I'm exploring machine learning engineering roles where I can work on [specific application area]. I'm particularly interested in [company] because of your work on [specific product]. What's your hiring timeline looking like?"

Practice this out loud 5-10 times. That's all you need.

Session Selection (1 hour)

Download the GHC app. Look at the schedule. Don't try to plan every hour—you'll change your mind anyway.

Instead, identify:

3-5 "must-attend" sessions (speakers from target companies, topics directly related to your goals)
3-5 "want to attend" sessions (genuinely interesting to you)
3-5 backup options for each time slot

The ratio of job-search-useful to personally-interesting should be about 50-50. You're not a robot. You need sessions that energize you, not just ones that might help you get a job.

Day of Travel: Mental Preparation

Set Realistic Expectations:

You will not solve your entire job search in 4 days
You probably will not get a job offer at the conference
You might not even get interviews scheduled on the spot
What you WILL get: connections, information, visibility, momentum

Manage Your Energy:

Know your anxiety triggers and have coping strategies ready
Give yourself permission to skip things
Remember: quality over quantity
This is a marathon, not a sprint

Understanding Expo Access Groups: What's Different This Year

If you attended Grace Hopper in 2023, you remember the chaos. Career fair lines were hours long. The system was overwhelmed. It was exhausting and inefficient.

Grace Hopper 2025 implemented expo access groups to fix this.

Here's how it works:

You're assigned to a specific expo access group
Your group determines when you can access the career fair
You'll receive your assigned time window
You can only attend during your designated time

What this means for you:

You can't "just go to the career fair whenever." Time allocation isn't up to you—it's predetermined. This is actually good news because it removes the anxiety of "am I spending my time right?" You have your time slot. Use it strategically.

What IS up to you:

How you prepare for your time slot
Which booths you prioritize
How you use your limited time
Your follow-up after

Career Fair Strategy: Maximizing Your Limited Time

Before Your Expo Time Slot

30 minutes before:

Review your top 10 target company list
Check the booth map in the app
Plan your route (start with highest priority)
Have LinkedIn app open and ready
Digital resume accessible on your phone
Eat something, use the bathroom, take a breath

Priority System:

Tier 1 (Visit First): Companies you genuinely want to work for Tier 2 (Visit If Time): Companies that seem interesting Tier 3 (Skip Unless): Companies there for brand-building only

You will not visit every booth. You shouldn't try to. Focus on quality.

Booth Approach Scripts

Here's exactly what to say. Word-for-word.

Opening: "Hi! I'm [Name]. I'm exploring [role type] opportunities. Are you currently hiring for roles in this area?"

This accomplishes several things:

Shows you know what you want
Qualifies whether they're actually hiring
Respects both your time and theirs
Opens conversation naturally

If they say yes and seem interested: "Great! I'm finishing my master's in [area]—I graduate next October—and I have [X years] experience in [relevant field]. I've worked on [brief relevant example]. I'm particularly interested in [something specific about their company]. What's your hiring process and typical timeline?"

If they say "we're not hiring right now": "I understand. I'm really interested in [company] because of [specific reason]. Would it be helpful if I applied online anyway and mentioned we spoke at GHC?"

Get their card. Move on politely. Don't waste your limited time trying to convince them.

If they say "just apply online": "Absolutely. Is there anything specific I should mention in my application to reference our conversation?"

Sometimes the answer is yes, sometimes no. Either way, you've planted a seed.

Questions That Actually Matter

Assuming you've pre-researched the basics (visa sponsorship, what they do), ask:

For roles that interest you:

"What roles are you actively hiring for right now?" (Get specific titles)
"What's your interview process and typical timeline?" (Manage expectations)
"What makes someone successful in [role] at your company?" (Shows genuine interest)
"What's the best way to stand out in your application process?" (Actionable advice)
"Who should I follow up with, and by when?" (Get specific next steps)

What NOT to ask:

"What does your company do?" (You should know)
"Do you have good benefits?" (Wrong stage for this)
Generic questions you could Google

The Truth About Paper Resumes

DO NOT hand your resume to everyone at every booth.

By 2023, I learned that most companies won't even take them. They'll say "just scan this QR code" or "apply online and upload it there."

Only give your physical resume when:

They explicitly ask for it
They don't have a QR code system
You can see they have a physical resume collection system set up

Otherwise, say: "Should I apply online or is there a QR code I should scan?"

If they ask for a physical copy and you brought 2-7: perfect. If they ask and you ran out: "I can email it to you—what's the best address?"

Your real resume delivery:

LinkedIn connection (most common)
Email after conversation (professional)
Online application referencing the conversation (expected)
QR code scan at booth (increasingly standard)

Session Selection: The 50-50 Rule and the Hidden Networking Opportunity

You cannot attend every session. The schedule has 200+ options. Here's how to choose.

The 50-50 Framework

50% Job-Search Useful:

Sessions led by people from target companies
Technical workshops teaching in-demand skills
Industry trend talks about where hiring is heading
Company-specific deep dives on products/tech
Small-group sessions with networking opportunities

50% Genuinely Interesting:

Topics that fascinate you personally
Speakers you admire
Emerging tech you want to understand
Sessions that remind you why you love this field
Anything that energizes rather than drains you

Why this ratio matters:

You're not a job-hunting robot. If you only attend "useful" sessions, you'll burn out by day 2. You'll also have nothing interesting to talk about in conversations beyond "I need a job."

The "interesting" sessions:

Keep your energy up
Give you conversational material
Remind you of your passion for tech
Make you a more interesting candidate
Help you avoid conference fatigue

I'm attending an AI ethics session not because it'll directly get me a job, but because it's fascinating and makes me a better engineer. That matters.

The Hidden Networking Gold Mine: Target Company Sessions

Here's something most people don't realize: when someone from your target company is speaking at a session, other employees from that company often attend to support them.

This is an incredible networking opportunity that most attendees completely miss.

Why this matters:

These employees are there to support their colleague, so they're in a positive, friendly mindset
They're usually more approachable than at a booth (less formal setting)
You have a natural conversation starter: the session you just attended together
You can reference specific points from their colleague's talk, showing genuine interest
It's a warmer introduction than cold-approaching at a career fair
They're often engineers or team members, not just recruiters

How to leverage this:

During the session:

Sit near people wearing company swag or badges from your target companies
Pay close attention to the talk (you'll need to reference it)
Notice who's taking photos or seems particularly engaged

After the session:

Approach the speaker with a thoughtful question or comment
While waiting to talk to the speaker, chat with other company employees nearby
Use the opening: "That was a great session! Do you work with [speaker] at [company]?"

Example conversation:

You: "That was a fantastic talk! Do you work with [speaker] at [company]?"

Them: "Yes! We're on the same team actually."

You: "That's great. I'm really interested in [company]'s approach to [specific thing from the talk]. I'm Kate—I'm finishing my master's in AI/ML and exploring roles in this area. What's it like working on [relevant team/project]?"

Them: [shares their experience]

You: "That sounds really aligned with what I'm looking for. Are you involved in hiring at all, or is there someone specific I should connect with?"

Why this works:

You've bonded over the session
You've shown genuine interest in their work (not just "I need a job")
You've made it conversational, not transactional
You're meeting people who might not be at the career fair booth
You're getting insider perspective on what it's actually like to work there

Priority Framework for Session Selection

Must Attend (if schedule allows):

Sessions with speakers from your top 5 target companies (for the networking opportunity)
Technical workshops building skills for roles you want
Small-group or interactive sessions (better networking)

Should Attend (if genuinely interested):

Industry trends affecting your field
Career development with Q&A opportunities
Topics you're curious about but not essential

Skip:

Anything recorded that you can watch later
Overcrowded keynotes where you can't interact
Topics you can easily Google
Sessions when you're too exhausted to absorb information
Things you're attending out of FOMO, not actual interest

The ROI Question

Before committing to a session, ask yourself:

Will this help me in conversations? (Knowledge, talking points, current learning)
Can I meet valuable people here? (Speakers, target company employees, attendees in my field)
Does this genuinely interest me? (Energy management)
Is this the best use of this specific time slot? (Compare alternatives)

If you answer yes to 2+ of these, go. If you answer yes to fewer than 2, consider whether networking, resting, or even applying to jobs on your laptop would be better.

Pro tip: Sessions from your target companies score especially high on question #2 because of the hidden networking opportunity with company employees who attend to support their colleagues.

Networking in a Tough Market: Standing Out Among Thousands

Let's address the elephant in the room: there are thousands of qualified candidates at this conference. Many are competing for the same roles you want. How do you stand out?

Quality Over Quantity (Especially Now)

What doesn't matter:

Number of business cards collected
Number of booths visited
Number of LinkedIn connections made
Hours spent at career fair

What actually matters:

Memorable conversations with genuine connection
Relationships with actual decision-makers
Follow-ups where you've made a specific impression
Conversations that lead to concrete next steps
Demonstrating genuine interest (not desperate interest)

Target: 15-25 quality conversations over four days.

Not 100 surface interactions. Not "I talked to someone at every booth."

15-25 conversations where:

You had a real exchange
They might actually remember you
There's a clear reason to follow up
You learned something valuable

Conversation Starters That Work

At sessions: "What brought you to this session? Are you working in [related field]?"

After sessions with target company employees: "That was a great talk! Do you work with [speaker] at [company]?"

In lines/coffee areas: "First time at GHC? How are you finding it?" (Then listen, bond, transition naturally)

At company-specific events: "I'm really interested in [company]'s approach to [specific thing]. What's it like working there?"

General opener: "I'm Kate—I'm finishing my master's and exploring ML engineering roles. What brings you to GHC?"

Notice: I'm clear about my status but not desperate. I'm exploring, not pleading.

How to Ask for Help Without Seeming Desperate

This is the hardest part. You need help. But you can't seem like you're drowning.

Don't do this:

Hand resumes to strangers without building rapport
Ask "Can you get me a job?"
Follow people around persistently
Launch into your job search struggles immediately
Ask for referrals from someone you just met

Do this instead:

Build genuine rapport first (2-3 minute conversation minimum)
Ask for specific, reasonable help
Make it easy for them to help you
Show you've done your homework
Express genuine gratitude

Example conversation:

You: "I'm really interested in [company]'s approach to [specific tech]. I'm currently exploring ML roles—I graduate next October—and I have experience in [relevant area]. Are you involved in hiring for your team?"

Them: "Not directly, but I know our team is hiring."

You: "That's helpful to know. Would it be appropriate to apply and mention we spoke at GHC?"

Them: "Sure, that would be fine."

You: "Great! Is there someone specific I should mention or a particular team I should look at?"

Them: "You can mention you spoke with me. Here's my card."

You: "I really appreciate that. I'll apply this week and send you a quick note once I do. Thanks for your time."

See what happened? You:

Showed genuine interest (not just "I need a job")
Made it easy to say yes
Got permission before taking action
Made it specific and concrete
Expressed appropriate gratitude

Follow-Up System: Where Most People Fail

Here's where the thousands of other candidates at GHC will fail: they won't follow up. Or they'll follow up once, vaguely, then give up.

You're going to be better than that.

The Tracking System

Create a simple spreadsheet or note with:

Person's name
Company
Role (recruiter, engineer, hiring manager)
Where/when met (booth, session, supporting speaker)
Key points discussed
Their action items (if any)
Your action items (apply, send resume, connect)
Deadline for your action
Status

Update this every evening. Not at the end—every night.

Follow-Up Timeline (Realistic for a Tough Market)

Same day:

Connect on LinkedIn with personalized note
Add to your tracking system
Upload business card photo

Within 48 hours:

Email anyone who gave specific next steps
Apply to any roles you discussed
Send any promised materials

Within one week:

Apply to companies where you had meaningful conversations
Thank speakers you talked to
Reference GHC conversation in all applications

Two weeks after:

Gentle follow-up with anyone who said they'd "get back to you"
Remember: in this market, "we'll be in touch" often means "maybe not"
Don't take silence personally

One month after:

Re-engage with connections who seemed promising
Share relevant content or updates
Stay visible without being pushy

Email Templates That Work

For recruiters at booths:

Subject: Following up from GHC - [Your Name] - [Role Type]

Hi [Name],

It was great speaking with you at the [Company] booth at Grace Hopper on [day]. I appreciated learning about [specific thing you discussed].

I'm currently exploring [role type] positions—I graduate next October—and I'm particularly interested in [Company]'s work on [specific product/initiative]. As we discussed, I have [relevant experience].

I've submitted my application for [specific role] (application ID: [if provided]). You mentioned [specific instruction they gave].

Please let me know if you need any additional information.

Thank you for your time at the conference!

Best,
[Your Name]
[LinkedIn URL]
[Portfolio if relevant]

For engineers/non-recruiters (especially those you met at sessions):

Subject: Great meeting you at GHC - [Your Name]

Hi [Name],

I really enjoyed our conversation about [specific topic] at Grace Hopper! [If you met at a session: "Your colleague [speaker]'s session on [topic] was fantastic, and it was great to hear your perspective on [what they shared]."]

I'm currently exploring [role type] opportunities—I graduate next October—and I'd love to stay connected. If [Company] opens roles in [area] that might be a fit, I'd appreciate if you'd keep me in mind.

Thanks for taking the time to chat!

Best,
[Your Name]
[LinkedIn URL]

For speakers after sessions:

Subject: Thank you for your session on [Topic]

Hi [Name],

Thank you for your session on [specific topic] at Grace Hopper. Your insight about [specific point] especially resonated with me because [brief personal connection].

I'm currently exploring [type of role] opportunities—I graduate next October—and I'd love to stay connected and learn more about [Company]'s work if you're ever open to a brief conversation.

Thanks for sharing your expertise!

Best,
[Your Name]
[LinkedIn URL]

Managing the Emotional Reality: Perspective is Everything

Let's be honest: this is hard. Navigating a tough job market at a conference with 30,000 people competing for limited positions is emotionally intense.

The Truth About This Market

Acknowledging Reality:

You might have great conversations that lead nowhere
You'll see others getting interviews while you're still waiting
Companies will seem excited but then ghost you
The process takes longer than it should
There are more qualified candidates than available positions

This is not a reflection of your worth or capabilities.

The market is tough for everyone right now. Even talented, experienced, qualified people are struggling. You're not alone in this.

Dealing with Rejection and Silence

When companies say "we're not hiring": This isn't personal. It's market reality. They genuinely might not be hiring.

When you don't hear back after a great conversation: They might have budget freezes. Hiring might be on hold. They might have 1000 other applicants. It's rarely about you specifically.

When others seem to be having success you're not: You don't know their full story. They might have internal connections. Different timelines. Different circumstances. Comparison is the thief of joy—especially at conferences.

Perspective Shifts That Help

Instead of: "I'm competing with thousands of people—I'll never stand out" Try: "Most people won't follow up strategically. Most won't be memorable. I can be."

Instead of: "Everyone here has a job except me" Try: "Many people here are also job searching. We're all navigating the same tough market."

Instead of: "I should have a job by now" Try: "I'm being strategic about finding the right fit, not just any fit."

Instead of: "This is taking too long" Try: "The market is slow right now. My timeline doesn't mean I'm failing."

Self-Care is Strategy

Before the conference:

Set realistic expectations (you will not solve your job search in 4 days)
Identify your support system (who can you text when it's hard?)
Know your coping mechanisms (breathing, walks, alone time)

During the conference:

Permission to skip sessions (exhaustion helps no one)
Permission to leave early (quality over endurance)
Permission to be anxious (you're navigating a lot)
Permission to take care of yourself (this is strategic, not weak)

Specific strategies:

Morning meditation or journaling
Eating actual meals (not just conference snacks)
Moving your body between sessions
Evening processing time (don't go straight to social events if you need alone time)
Sleep is non-negotiable (tired you makes bad decisions)

When You're Unsure About Taking a Position

Here's my specific situation: I graduate next October—nearly a year from now. I might take something before then if it's the right opportunity. I might wait until after graduation. I'm open to the right opportunity but not desperate for any opportunity.

If you're in a similar place:

It's okay to:

Be selective
Wait for the right fit
Say "I'm exploring" rather than "I'm desperate"
Have standards and boundaries
Turn down things that aren't right
Have a timeline that works for you

It's also okay to:

Change your mind about what "right" means
Take something sooner if it's a great fit
Adjust your timeline based on what you learn
Be uncertain about your next step

Being unsure isn't the same as being unprepared. You can be strategic while still figuring things out.

Success Metrics for a Tough Market

Let's redefine what success looks like when you're competing with thousands of other candidates.

What Success ISN'T:

Getting a job offer at the conference (unrealistic for most)
Getting multiple interview requests on the spot (rare)
Collecting 100 business cards (meaningless)
Attending 30+ sessions (exhausting and ineffective)

What Success IS:

Immediate (during conference):

15-25 meaningful conversations
3-5 genuine connections you want to maintain
1-2 companies you're genuinely excited about
Clarity about what you want (or don't want)
Maintained energy across all 4 days
Met employees from target companies at their sessions

Short-term (within 2 weeks):

All follow-ups completed
Applications submitted to discussed roles
LinkedIn connections maintained
Clear action items progressing

Medium-term (1-3 months):

Some first-round interviews (even 1-2 is success)
Continued conversations with GHC connections
Refinement of what you're looking for
Building your pipeline

Long-term (3-6 months):

Job secured (might be GHC-related, might not)
Professional relationships that continue
Lessons applied to your job search
Community connections that matter

Intangible (but equally important):

"I'm clearer about what I want"
"I realized I can do this"
"I made one connection that felt genuine"
"I learned something that changed my perspective"
"I showed up even when it was hard"

Those all count as success.

Final Thoughts: You're More Than This Market

If you're reading this as someone navigating a tough job market at Grace Hopper, I want you to hear something clearly:

You are not defined by this job market. You are not less capable because hiring is slow. You are not behind because you don't have a job yet.

The market is tough. There are thousands of qualified people competing for limited roles. Companies are being more selective than ever. This is reality.

And yet.

You're still showing up. You're still being strategic. You're still building relationships and moving forward.

I lost my job on Tuesday. I'm flying to Grace Hopper on Monday. I'm competing with thousands of other qualified people in a market that's tougher than it's been in years. I have nearly a year before I graduate, and I'm navigating what that timeline means for my job search.

And I'm showing up anyway—not out of desperation, but out of strategy.

You're focused, not frantic. You're building, not begging. You're exactly where you need to be to get where you're going.

The difference between job seekers who navigate tough markets successfully and those who don't isn't luck or connections—it's strategy, perspective, and persistence.

You now have the strategy. You have the realistic expectations. You have the framework.

The rest is showing up and doing the work.

See you in Philadelphia.