Making the most of a careers fair

How to prepare

If you know what type of work you want

Look at the list of employers who will be attending the event and decide which ones can offer the type of work or similar that you are seeking.

Remember that all organisations have staff in general business functions like marketing, finance, IT and human resources.

If you don’t know what type of work you want

If you don't know what you want to do think about the factors that will help you decide. What are YOUR criteria for what you want out of your career?  Make a note of what you want and ask the companies at the fair whether they can offer those, be they financial incentives, working styles or prospects to progress. 

Research

Research the companies that you are interested in before the event. This will show the company representative that you are enthusiastic and serious about their organisation.

CVs

If you know that you are interested in particular organisations have an up to date CV ready to give out or share with the representative once you have spoken to them and decided that you do wish to apply to them.  

Remember that the Careers Service has careers counsellors who are available to help you with writing an effective CV. Book an appointment well in advance to make sure you can get your CV updated before the event.

At the fair

At the careers fair take the opportunities to get answer to questions that weren’t answered by your research or that you would not want to ask in an interview. For example:

• What are your selection criteria for this type of work?
• How would you view an application from me, as a mature student?
• What are you really looking for in your recruits?
• Would my dyslexia prevent me being offered a job with your organisation?
• Can you explain your selection process to me?

Remember, you are anonymous at the fair, unless you want to introduce yourself or leave a CV.

Application forms

An employer may require applicants to complete an application form. If the employer wants it completed straigh away, take it somewhere quiet to complete - you won't do yourself justice trying to complete it on the corner of a table while you grab a coffee.

Networking

If the employer representative you speak to cannot answer your questions about specific areas of work within their organisation, ask them for the name of a colleague who can.

Use the event to make contacts who could help you find out more about your chosen career. Before you attend the event, take the time to read our advice on networking.