Careers Fair tips

The following tips are designed to assist you in getting the most out of the Careers Fair.

What to do prior to the Careers 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 Careers 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 Careers 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, Student Services on +61 7 4631 2210 or by email  if you require any further information.