Get The Most From The Fairs
What to expect
Careers fairs provide a great opportunity for you to collect information about various industries, meet company representatives and chat to graduate employees. You can also find out more about vacation work, travel and voluntary opportunities.
The atmosphere at careers fairs is generally friendly and bustling. Most events will have a brochure, like this one, which include details of the companies attending, the layout of the fair and other useful information. Get a copy and keep it. It should contain the names and contact details of the participants, so when you get home you can consider your next move.
Some fairs cover a broad range of employers and careers, while others are more specialist. Check beforehand, and only go to the specialist fairs if you are interested in a career in those areas. Typical careers fairs attendees include employers, professional bodies, travel/expedition companies, training providers and charities. Careers advisers are also available at many fairs, to give free advice or help you to improve your CV. And a few fairs will feature expert speakers
What happens at the stands?
Some companies will just want to get their brand known. They will tell you what they do, why you should work for them and how you can apply. These Organisations might not want to see a CV there and then but expect you to apply if you are interested.
Most representatives will talk to you and if impressed will get you to fill out your name and contact details. That way they can track you amongst the millions of online applications they receive.
Sometimes - you have to be very lucky and prepared, a second representative on the stand may give you a "mini-interview".
Often the brief discussion you have with them is treated as a first interview and if you impress, they may indicate that you will be called to their offices for a second interview.
to succeed, you need to be flexible and well prepared enough to impress.
Checklist
Before approaching employers you should ask yourself the following questions:
Are you clear about the vacancies each employer is offering and whether your qualifications are relevant. If not use the Employer Directory to find this out quickly.
Do you know and can you express why you would be a good candidate for the job? If not, read through your CV as a quick refresher to focus your mind.
Can you explain why you are interested in the company and the particular vacancy?
At the Fair
Most employers get fed up with having to answer the the same questions every time so don't ask: "So what does your Company do?" Even though this might seem like a good starting point, it is not and shows that you have not done your research. Much better is a handshake accompanied with "Hi my name is Sarah and I expect to graduate with a 2:1 in Managment. Do you have any vacancies in your HR department suitable for me?"
It is best to say who you are and then ask them a more in-depth question that would not be covered by the website or is personal like the average day at work.
Also avoid obvious questions like asking AIESEC: "Do you place students abroad?" - Everybody knows that they arrange international internships and if you don't, you should do a bit of Fair Guide cramming as a quick fix.
If you are given an application form or you are directed to a website write down any deadlines.
Write down also who you spoke to at the stand - it looks good if you can refer to somebody in a covering letter. And makes your application many times more personal and hence more likely to succeed.
If you managed to get a business card or contact details of a representative Be proud of yourself, but don't leave it at that, follow it through by following up the contact within two weeks to enquire further and show you really are as keen to work for them as they are to have you as an employee.
