It’s that time again, winter is well on it’s way and our big Autumn Careers Fair is going to take place TODAY!
This year’s Careers Fair will feature organisations ranging from local media moguls Fat Media to the communication giants Vodafone! With so many different opportunities to investigate we know this event has will be up there circled in your dairies and calendars for a while, so now it’s time for some final tips to help you prepare…
- Think about why you want to attend and what you want to get from the event. For example, do you want to research an industry sector; pick up information about companies; find out about job or work experience opportunities with particular employers; get info on application processes; or network?
- Take a notepad and pen with you on the day as well as preparing an updated CV and LinkedIn profile. Be sure to note down the names of the recruiters you spoke to (or ask for a business card) so you can connect with them on LinkedIn. Also remember to make notes about important dates and deadlines. While not all recruiters accept CVs at recruitment fairs, some might and it will be a useful tool to refer to when talking recruiters through your skills and experience.
Research employers before you go:
- Decide which employers you definitely want to visit. If you can get a floor plan of the exhibition hall, plot a route around the fair.
- Prepare questions to ask recruiters and representatives. These can be about the recruitment process, what skills and qualities are needed, trends in the profession, and so on – take these with you.
Prepare yourself and make a positive impact:
When you approach recruiters at fairs:
- Smile and be confident and enthusiastic, but also polite and courteous.
- Know what you have to offer – your skills, qualities and experience.
- Be ready with specific questions to ask. Top tip: Prepare and practice a mini ‘pitch’ about yourself. It doesn’t have to be a hard sell of your skills, just a simple, brief introduction. For example: ‘Hi. My name is John and I’ve just started my final year in engineering at X-factor University. I’m business-minded and I’d like to use this skill alongside my technical abilities. I’m interested in finding out more about supply-chain management roles and I noticed from your website that you have a supply-chain scheme for engineers. Can you tell me more about your scheme and what it involves?
- Visit your top priority employer after you’ve talked with one or two others – this gives you a chance to warm up and build your confidence.
- Don’t hunt in a pack. If you go with friends, split up to make better use of your time. Even more importantly, this will show recruiters that you are a capable, independent individual. This is your time to stand out and shine!
Make notes to refer back to:
Take a notepad and pen to write down the names and contact details of people you meet and to record any useful information you glean. Once you leave an employer’s stand, move to one side and take a moment to reflect upon your conversation and record your impressions:
- What makes the organisation different?
- Would you be happy working with these people?
- What did you find out that made you feel you would fit in? How would you be able to use your skills within the organisation?
- You may find that you refer to contacts you made and information you found out at careers fairs in applications and interviews.
Best of luck!
Which organisations will you visit?
Sourced from TARGETjobs
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