Fortunately, Insights has formulated a short guide to ensure you leave a lasting impression, and not just a dropped wallet, at your next careers fair.
1. Make a Shortlist of Stalls to Visit
You don’t want to spend the day roaming the fair aimlessly, so do your research before you arrive. Peruse the careers fair’s promotional material (or, in some cases, visit its website) before you arrive to find out which organisations will be in attendance. Once you have an idea, create a shortlist of those which interest you, and prepare some questions for each representative.
2. Dress as if it were an Interview
A careers fair is not the place to showcase your new Supre singlet or Air Jordans. As many recruiters will subconsciously make a judgement of you before you even say a word, dress in full business attire, and introduce yourself with a firm handshake.
3. Bring a Resume
This may seem like an obvious tip to many veteran fair-goers, but its importance cannot be overstated. A careers fair can often be your first encounter with your next employer, and if you haven’t taken the basic step of bringing a resume, you aren’t likely to make the best impression.
4. Prepare an Introduction
Chances are you won’t be the only attendee to bring a resume and cover letter, so distinguish yourself from the herd by preparing a short introductory spiel for company representatives. You can stand out by preparing something as simple as “my name is Jenny Derpington and I have two years’ experience as a paralegal in corporate law. I am currently completing my PLT and am eager to work for an organisation in which I can utilise my research skills and hands-on litigation experience.”
Careers fairs are a very useful way to ‘pre-meet’ your employer in a relatively casual environment, and many job hopefuls have landed a one-on-one coffee with a senior associate, partner or HR manager impressed by the conversation and willing to offer insights into the recruitment process at their firm.
5. Make Your Own Business Cards
Whether or not you have a current employer, nothing will scream “professionalism” like your own business card. It doesn’t need to be anything fancy – just ordering a pocketful of business cards with “Jenny Derpington, LLB (your university)” along with your contact details will show recruiters that you are willing to take the initiative.
Best of luck at your next careers fair. May it herald the dawn of a new career!