The Careers Fair is a great way to meet potential employers and find out about exciting opportunities. You get to speak to various organisations offering graduate jobs, placements and internships, so it’s definitely worth attending.
Obviously we all know how important these events are, but they can be really nerve wracking! One thing that can really help is to make sure you are fully prepared beforehand.
These five tips will help you attend the fair feeling confident and like you know what you’re doing!
1. Do your research
Before you attend the careers fair, make sure you scan the websites of the employers you are interested in. Find out a bit about the organisation and what they do, as well as the details of any graduate roles they offer.
Preparing questions is another must. These can be about the recruitment process, the skills and qualities they are looking for, trends in the profession etc.
2. Dress to impress
It may seem obvious, but I’m going to mention it anyway. Don’t turn up in a hoody and ripped jeans! Dress smartly and make yourself presentable. You definitely don’t need to wear a suit but you want to make a good impression, appearing professional and business like.
3. Start a conversation
Approaching employers can be really intimidating, but it’s not as difficult as what you might be thinking. Simply smile, say hello and tell them your name! Explain what you’re studying, and what you’re interested in relating to their business. Then ask them to tell you a little bit about the scheme they are offering to graduates.
4. Be tactical
If you’re feeling nervous, talk to your top priority employer after you’ve chatted to a couple of others first! This gives you a chance to warm up and build your confidence before approaching the organisation at the top of your list.
5. Make notes
The fair will be super busy and you’ll probably find yourself speaking to lots of different people. Events like this can go by in a bit of a blur, making it hard to remember the names and details of everyone you’ve chatted to!
Make sure you take a notepad and pen with you so you can jot down the names and contact details of the people you have met. After you have finished a conversation with an employer, give yourself a second to write down your impressions of them, whether you would be happy working with them and whether you feel your skills are suited to the type of work they are offering.
Finally, just go for it! Enjoy yourself and get chatting to as many people as you can. You never know who you might meet, and where those conversations might take you!
