What is a Job Fair?
A job fair is an event where multiple employers set up booths where they give information about their companies including job openings and their application process.
Job seekers are able to learn about different companies and their career opportunities. Representatives from each company will be available to answer questions and collect CVs.
You will usually need to register online before the event. After registering you’ll receive a list of participating employers, a map of the venue and details of any workshops or presentations attendees may be interested in. These could include sessions on career related topics, interview techniques, or strategies for networking.
Sometimes employers may carry out interviews on the spot, ranging from preliminary screenings to more formal interviews. Consider every conversation you have to be a potential interview and a chance to either impress a potential employer or make an important career contact.
How to prepare for a job fair
If you need a BSL interpreter, arrange this well in advance.
Find out which companies will be at the job fair and do some research about their business and culture, as well as the latest news about their organisation. Have a look at their current job openings or careers page and think about how your skills and experience would fit in.
Prepare some questions in advance that demonstrate your interest in the company.
Bring copies of your CV to give to potential employers. Make sure its free from errors and lists your relevant skills and experience. Tailor it to fit positions and companies that you’re interested in.
If you have a portfolio, bring it with you to showcase your previous work
Bring business cards if you have them and exchange them with everyone you meet.
Update your LinkedIn profile so you can share it with others.
Wear something that makes you look smart and professional.
How to network with people
Many of the people you meet will be industry professionals so make sure that you’re memorable for all the right reasons.
Practice your elevator pitch. An elevator pitch is a few sentences introducing yourself, what you do and what sort of work you’re looking for. This shouldn’t take longer than 30 seconds – keep it simple and concise.
If asked, be prepared to discuss your experience, background and skills in more detail.
If you have an interpreter with you, you may be asked questions about them, for example, do you need them all the time or can you communicate in other ways. Answer politely, but don’t get drawn into a discussion about deafness, gently steer the conversation back to your skills and experience.
Networking with other attendees can also be helpful, you can practice talking about yourself and asking other people questions, you may also get helpful hints and tips as well as job leads in the future.
Show an interest in the other people’s work and opportunities. Ask questions and exchange business cards.
How to engage with Employers
From your research you may already have a favourite employer in mind. Visit some others first to practice talking about yourself and asking questions.
Approach each employer confidently, smile, make eye contact and offer a firm handshake.
Introduce yourself with your elevator pitch and ask questions that you prepared. Listen to the responses and ask any further questions that come to mind.
Show enthusiasm and express genuine interest in each company you speak with.
Give them your CV and business card and collect their contact details.
After talking to them, jot down the person’s name and some notes from the conversation to help you remember what was discussed and any points that came up.
What happens next
After the fair, apply for any jobs that interested you. Send emails to all the company representatives that you spoke with, thanking them for their time and restating your interest in working with them.
You may also wish to connect with the representative on LinkedIn or follow their company page, this is an easy way to stay in touch and be notified about any new opportunities they advertise.
If other attendees shared their LinkedIn details with you, send them a connection request and stay in touch. They may be able to provide useful job leads in the future.
Make notes for yourself on what went well and what you would like to do differently.
