How to gain a competitive advantage at a career fair

Finding your all-important first job opportunity can be a challenge, but attending a job fair can give you a competitive advantage that could help you stand out from the crowd.

A job fair is an excellent way to meet and learn about multiple companies and organisations in a single day. It’s a chance to learn about the roles that interest you, and ask questions that will help you make important decisions about your future.

What is a job fair?

Job fairs are events where representatives of businesses and organisations give talks and display their company information on a stand. These representatives are available to talk to attendees and answer questions about their companies and the roles they offer to graduates.

There are two types of job fairs; general ones that showcase a wide range of different careers and vocations, and specialised ones that focus on one particular sector, for example, Industry Connect.

Some organisations offer internships and apprenticeships which give graduates wishing to gain experience an opportunity to learn on the job. Businesses use job fairs to explain what they are looking for in potential candidates and which qualifications they are keen to see.

However, job fairs are not just for the representatives to speak and the graduates to listen. Graduates can also pitch and present themselves, and ask questions.

In today’s competitive and fast-paced job market, these events give you an opportunity to make a great first in-person impression and understand what to include in your CV to help you stand out in the CV parsing process.

How to stand out at a job fair

Attending a job fair can help you become job ready as a student, but to make the experience really useful, preparation is key.

Here are a few ways you should plan and prepare if you want potential employers to remember you for all the right reasons.

1. Research the exhibitors

Well in advance of the job fair, do your homework. Look up the businesses who will be exhibiting, decide which are the most interesting to your career aims, and research them thoroughly.

Check out the company values, find out if they have a diversity sourcing strategy, and look at reviews from customers and staff. It’s also good to look at the number of roles within the company and likely career progression.

Don’t worry if you can’t find the answers to everything you want to know, but do make a list of questions. These will be useful for the next step in your preparation.

2. Prepare questions and answers

It’s great to have a few questions to take to the job fair for when you talk to company representatives.

Here are some suggestions:

• What qualifications and skills does the company look for?
• Does the company have any mentorship programmes or apprenticeships?
• Who is the right person to contact to ask about opportunities after the job fair?
• What is the hiring process like? 

It’s also important to prepare what to say about yourself if someone asks you to. Think about your interests, qualifications, aspirations and plans, and make sure you have some prepared answers.

3. Plan your day

Dress smartly, but comfortably. It could be a long day, so think about footwear and make sure your shoes are presentable but comfortable.

Arrive to the venue early if you can, you can always get a coffee and collect your thoughts before the fair begins - make the most of your time.

Look at the event map and schedule of the job fair beforehand. Check where you need to be and at what time. Prioritise the companies who are of most interest to you, and make yourself a plan for your day

Think about food and drink and make sure you take something to snack on, in case there is limited time for a proper meal. Talking can also make your throat dry, so water is essential.

4. Prepare an elevator pitch and spruce up your resume

Make sure your resume is up to date and well presented, and has your contact details clearly visible. Take copies with you in a waterproof folder, to keep the paper clean and neat.

Prepare a short elevator pitch; a summary of your education, achievements, and career plans that encapsulates who you are and what you have to offer.

5. Bring and take some essential items with you

We’ve mentioned your resume, elevator pitch, and refreshments, but you will also need a notepad and pen, and even business cards if you feel you want to pitch yourself for a particular role.

Take notes and pick up other people’s business cards. It’s surprising what you will forget once you have left the venue. Notes, cards and leaflets will help you remember the companies and individuals you interacted with.

6. Follow up

If you have made a contact at the fair, and have a number, make the call and follow up. But if you are calling on spec, be polite and patient, even if it takes a while to get through to the person you need to speak to.

Many firms have systems in place for monitoring phone calls – it’s a great way for a company to check how calls are being handled. So, just in case your call is recorded, you want to make sure you remain professional, calm and collected at all times. Job hunting is exhausting for all candidates - it’s important not to let any frustration or disappointment you might be feeling come out in your voice.

Job fairs are a great way to learn what is out there in terms of job opportunities. But don’t be disappointed if you don’t come away with a job offer. A job fair is just the beginning – you may want to go to several, or use it to start some serious job hunting.

Attending a job fair means you are taking your career seriously. It will help you perfect your application and create an elevator pitch, as well as give you great information about companies, and practice at talking about your career aspirations. These are all valuable actions with which to kick start your career.