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?