Career Fair tips

What to do prior to the Career Fair

• Check the list of participating employers and areas of study from which they want to recruit
• Research the organisations that you are interested in so that you have some knowledge of what they are seeking in their graduates
• Prepare your resume to take with you to the Careers Fair, ensuring that there are no grammatical or spelling errors (The Careers and Employment Team at Student Services can assist you with proofreading). Please visit the workshop, open Monday - Friday 10am-3pm, Ground floor, G Block, if you require assistance with preparing a resume.
• Prepare a list of questions to ask employers
• Plan how you will introduce yourself to the employers so that you will make a positive first impression.

What to do at the Career Fair

• Dress appropriately – remember you want to make a positive first impression
• Take a notepad and pen so that you can take notes on important information
• Introduce yourself confidently, using eye contact and a firm handshake
• When you have finished your conversation ask if you can leave your resume and request a business card
• Do not just go around collecting the ‘freebies' from each employer – show interest in the organisation
• Make the most of this event by talking to as many employers as you can that recruit from your chosen area of study
• Make your conversations with employers worthwhile and short – do not spend time asking irrelevant questions: be mindful of other students wanting to talk with them (see list below of suggested questions to ask)
• Listen to what the employer says, especially for information which could be of assistance to you when you are writing your application
• Allow yourself plenty of time and do not arrive right at closing time Take this event seriously – this is your future.

What to do after the Career Fair

• Read through the information that you collected
• Decide which programs you are going to apply for
• Make a note of closing dates to ensure that you do not miss any opportunities
• Initiate any further communication requested from any employer
• Meet with a Careers Counsellor for assistance with your application and any further career guidance that you may require.

Suggested questions to ask employers

• Can you tell me about your organisation?
• How many graduates is the company looking to recruit?
• How is the graduate program structured?
• Will I have a permanent job when the graduate program ends?
• How long is the graduate program?
• Is professional development/career advancement strongly supported within the organisation?
• What personal attributes does the organisation look for in graduates?
• What do you view as being the most significant stage in the recruitment and selection process?
• What are the growth prospects for this field in the future?
• What differentiates this organisation from others?
• What do you view as the benefits and challenges of working for this organisation?
• Why did you choose to work at this company?
• What sort of projects can graduates expect to participate in?
• May I please have your contact details should I have any further questions?

Please contact Careers and Employment if you require any further information.