JOBSHOP
Career Fairs Introduction “Make the most of Career Fairs - They are not just for graduates or final year students. They can also be useful for undergraduates”
Careers Fairs offer the opportunity to meet employers, find out about different careers and enquire about work experience. Meeting with employers gives you the chance to find out what it is like to work for them. You can find out about the ethos of the company; ask questions about their vacancies and how to apply for them and find out what they look for in a successful candidate. Though you may not be recruited on the day, careers fairs offer you the perfect opportunity to network with employers.
You may even meet the person who will receive application forms and decide who to invite to
interview; if they can put a face to the name you could already be a step ahead of other applicants.
Prepare for the fair §
Find out who’s attending the fair and research the companies you’d like to work for.
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Research the sector i.e. what are the key topics in your chosen area? What’s been happening in the industry during the last six months? This will show you are commercially aware. This is particularly important for graduate opportunities.
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Make a list of your skills and experience as employers will be interested in these.
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Create your own business card with your contact details and your subject of study. These don’t need to be expensive, you can print onto A4 paper and cut to size.
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Prepare and practice a ‘pitch’ based around your skills / experience with friends and family so you are able to sell yourself on the day.
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Questions Think about what you would like to ask the employers. Consider what you need to know that would help you decide if you’d really like to work for that company? Prepare a list of questions you’d like to ask the company, such as: - What type of opportunities are available – paid, volunteering, work experience, work shadowing? - What is the recruitment procedure? - What will help me prepare a successful application? - Where will the job be based? - What career options will be available 2-3 years into the job?
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What to wear? Advice can vary, but generally speaking: ยง
Be smart
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Conservative
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Professional
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Neatly groomed
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And remember, you only get one chance to make a first impression
On the day Arrive early when the recruiters are fresh, alert and attentive and you may even avoid the queues. Take time to target employers that interest you but also keep an open mind and consider those companies you are not familiar with. Take the initiative and introduce yourself with a smile and a firm (but not crushing) handshake. Recruiters are almost always friendly and outgoing and will expect the same of you. Ask the prepared questions and make a note of the answers as soon as you leave the stand. Speak clearly and concisely making sure you can be heard over the noise. Maintain eye contact and focus on what is being said. Highlight your strengths and use your prepared pitch, but remember not to overload recruiters. Stand out, Recruiters will be talking to a lot of other candidates who will all have degrees and a lot in common so you will need to let the recruiters know something positive that will set you apart from the crowd, such as do you have an unusual hobby, have you run a successful project during your course. Be Positive, If you are interested in a job, but feel uncertain you can do it, remain positive and do not talk yourself out of it, let the recruiters decide during the selection process whether they wish to offer you a job or not. What happens next, Ask about the application process and what they look for in a candidate, if you are asked by an employer to fill out an application form, resist the temptation to complete it immediately. Take it away and plan your response. Take literature and note contact details so that you can find out more and apply for opportunities after the fair. Before you leave an employer, make a note of the name of the person with whom you have been speaking and any tips or information they gave you. If you have any queries after the fair you will know the person to contact and you may be able to use the information in a covering letter or application form to show how enthusiastic you are.
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After the fair §
Reflect on what you have learnt from talking with employers - Read through all the information you collected - Note the type of application needed e.g. application form, CV & covering letter or portfolio and take appropriate action - Note the closing dates for each employer and make sure your application reaches them on time - If you are applying for graduate jobs you should start preparing for interviews and assessment centres.
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If necessary, seek more help from BG Futures: Careers, Employability and Enterprise to assist with your applications.
Common mistakes – you won’t get the most from the Fair if you: •
Fail to show enthusiasm. Your chances of being successful if you’re apathetic or just browsing through the fair, wont make a good impression. Show your enthusiasm about the company and the industry to each and every recruiter you speak to.
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Behave too casually. Don’t lose your guard because of all the people and things going on around you. You should use the same formality and respect you would use at an interview.
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Wear inappropriate dress. Dress professionally and show you’ve made an effort, it’ll boost your confidence and show you’ve prepared in advance.
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Fail to research the company. If you are looking for graduates jobs, this won’t impress the recruiters you talk to and you’ll have put yourself at a disadvantage in relation to those students who took the time to prepare.
Search for Careers Fairs: •
See the BG Futures: Careers, Employability and Enterprise Events page on Blackboard
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For postgraduate study open days, go to the Postgraduate section of our section on Blackboard and select Postgraduate Study Bulletin.
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Graduate Prospects http://www.prospects.ac.uk/links/careerfairs
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TARGETjobs http://targetjobs.co.uk/graduate-jobs/events
For more advice on attending careers fairs, go to http://www.prospects.ac.uk/links/careerfairs
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BG Futures: Careers, Employability and Enterprise operate in accordance with the University Diversity and Equality Policies. If you require this document in an alternative format, for example in large print, please email us at bgfutures@bishopg.ac.uk For up to date opening times and more information on our module on Blackboard or www.bishopg.ac.uk/careers