ADD ADVICE TO FAVCareers fairs
Careers fairs are a great way to meet lots of potential employers under the same roof. But do you know what really happens at careers fairs? And have you prepared a fail-safe strategy to guarantee you success in your career search?
Careers fairs are held throughout the year, up and down the country. It’s important to attend as many careers fairs as you can. They provide a great opportunity for you to collect information about various industries, meet company representatives and chat to graduate employees.
These events also present a chance to find out more about vacation work, travel and volunteering opportunities.
What can you expect at careers fairs?
The atmosphere at careers fairs is generally friendly and bustling. Most events will have a brochure that will include details of the companies attending, the layout of the fair and other useful information. Get a copy and keep it. It should contain the names and contact details of the participants, so when you get home you can consider your next move.
Fairs are not always the same; some cover a broad range of employers and careers, while others are more specialist. Check beforehand, and only go to the specialist fairs if you are interested in a career in those areas.
Typical careers-fair attendees include employers, professional bodies, travel / expedition companies, training providers and charities. Careers advisers are also available at many fairs, to give free advice or help you to improve your CV.
Some fairs will feature expert speakers, who will talk on a range of topics, including the careers represented at the fair. You may also have the chance to attend workshops, for instance on CVs, or boosting your skills.
Tips from the experts
Research
Before attending a graduate recruitment show, it is essential that you prepare to get the most out of it. Research what potential employers do and what roles they have to offer.
Smart clothing
First impressions count. Turn up in smart attire – just as you would for an interview. Jeans and t-shirt are a no-go.
Sell yourself
It’s time to blow your own trumpet. You’ve got the skills to do the job, so go sell yourself. Talk to companies about what you are looking for and the skills you would bring to the team.
Anita Peach, Editor, GradJobs Magazine
Sponsor of The National Graduate Recruitment Exhibitions
www.gradjobs.co.uk
What you should do at careers fairs
You should go to fairs to:
- meet employers face-to-face
- get information from representatives on the stand – they can often give you additional advice and information which you won’t necessarily find on the company website
- network: get the name of the graduate employment manager from each company so you know who to write to if you make a speculative application; some company representatives might allow you to contact them for advice if you are offered an interview.
The success of the fair depends on you. If you are just looking for information, you will find plenty of it. But don’t just wander around each stall picking up freebies – pens and yo-yos may be novel and handy, but are unlikely to further your career!
If you are serious about your job hunt and want to talk to employers, then don’t be shy – that’s what they are there for. Sometimes, you can even apply directly for posts at careers fairs. Whatever you want to get from a careers fair, make sure you do the appropriate level of preparation.
If you would like to pursue employment in a particular role, such as human resources management, ask a range of companies in different industries what they have to offer. You will then have a clearer picture of the opportunities available to you.
’Remember, a careers fair will not magically present the ideal career option to you on its own – you need to be proactive. Define what your needs and wants are in advance.’
Terence Perrin, Vice-President, European Graduate/MBA Recruitment, Dresdner Kleinwort WassersteinPreparing for careers fairs
- Read about the fair on the web – you will usually find a list of employers attending.
- Decide which companies you’re interested in and research the opportunities they have to offer.
- Research the vacancies these companies offer and read about them on their websites.
- Draw up a list of questions you would like to ask company representatives.
- Think about what skills you can offer your chosen companies.
- Print off some copies of your CV – careers advisers should be on hand at the fair to look over it, and you can have it ready in case any employers ask for it.
At the careers fair
Things employers hate at careers fairs
- Anyone who approaches a stand and says, ’So… sell me your company’…
- …or, ’So what is it you do exactly…?’
- Anyone who just stands and looks at the literature, takes a free pen and then moves on without saying anything at all.
- Be presentable and dress smartly, though a suit is a bit formal.
- Try to look like you’re enjoying yourself – you will come across a highly motivated and enthusiastic person.
- Find out the exact location and arrive in good time.
- Take time when you arrive to get your bearings. Study the floor plan and make sure you visit all the companies that interest you.
- Take a notebook and jot down names, and information about and impressions of the various organisations so you have something to look back on.
- Bring your CV and maybe even a SAF (Standard Application Form) from your careers service – this can be useful when you meet company reps, even if have their own forms.
- Tailor your CV if there is a company you’re very interested in. You can either hand this out or simply use it as a point of reference.
- Ask for names or business cards if you speak at length with reps of companies that interest you – this adds credibility if you mention it when applying.
62% of students find recruitment events useful
Research by HobsonsCompany recruiting events
Company recruiting events differ slightly from careers fairs. If you attend one of these, research the company in question thoroughly, dress more smartly (a suit may be appropriate here) and make sure to talk to or ’network’ with influential people.
