How to Use a Careers Fair to Find a New Job

Job searching itself can become a full time job and not a very enjoyable one at that! There are many different avenues you can use to help you find a new job, including job sites, recruitment agencies and using your network. Many people forget that there is also the option of attending careers fairs. Careers fairs give you the opportunity to meet with potential employers face to face, and it can give you the chance to find out more about a range of different companies. If you have never been to a careers fair before, these are the ways you can use them to find a new job. 

Finding a Careers Fair

A quick search on Google will give you information on upcoming careers fairs. You could also use prospects.ac.uk. Some careers fairs are general, covering a wide scope of industries, while others are specific. If there is a specific company you want to work for, you might find events on their website.

Research Attendees

With careers fairs often bustling with activity, it's crucial to be well-prepared and have a clear understanding of the companies you're interested in. Creating a shortlist of these companies before the event will help you approach them with confidence and make the most of your time at the fair.

Prepare Questions

You may want to prepare a list of some questions you’d like to ask the employers, including the type of roles they are recruiting for, the ideal candidate and locations. In some cases, the employer might even interview you then and there for the role or at the least, they might take a note of your contact details.

Choose the Time

If the careers fair is at maximum capacity, it will be difficult to get a chance to speak to anyone. Therefore, it is best to choose your time wisely. For instance, first thing in the morning or at the end of the event. In the middle of the event is probably not the best time to attend.

Dress to Impress

You don’t need to wear a suit to a careers fair, but it is a good idea to dress smartly to make the right impression, especially if you are looking for an office job. Dressing appropriately also shows respect for the event and the potential employers, which can help you stand out.

Take your CV

You should also have a professional CV with you to hand out to potential employers. This not only makes it easier for them to remember you but also increases the chances of them contacting you if they already have your details.

Why You Should Attend a Careers Fair

There are many reasons why you should consider attending a careers fairs if you are on the market for a new job:

• Face to face conversation - there are not many opportunities to speak directly to an employer, face to face. With a careers fair, you get their full attention and you have the chance to ask any questions you may have. This personal interaction can help you stand out and make a lasting impression.
• Get feedback - if you have applied for a job and received an instant rejection, this is the time to ask the employer why. You never know - you might even be able to turn the no, to a yes!
• Step out of comfort zone - Approaching a potential employer can be nerve-wracking, but the sense of accomplishment and personal growth that comes from it is unparalleled. Stepping out of your comfort zone at a careers fair can be a transformative experience, boosting your confidence and opening doors to new opportunities.

If you are looking for a professional CV for attending careers fairs, consider seeking professional CV writing services. We can help you create a CV that highlights your skills and experiences, making it easier for potential employers to remember you. This can increase your chances of getting contacted after the careers fair. You can order directly here or contact us to find out more about our CV writing services.