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Your careers fair checklist

As the autumn term gets underway, universities up and down the country will be hosting careers fairs. They offer students the chance to network with potential employers, and companies the opportunity to recruit the brightest and the best.

International graduates agree that such fairs are a key route to careers success. Sanad from Libya, for example, who works as an integrated technology consultant for Oracle after graduating in IT from UWE Bristol, says: “To current international students looking to start a career in the UK, my key advice is to leverage university resources extensively. Utilise career services, attend job fairs, and seek guidance from advisors to build a strong professional network.”

However, jobs fairs can be busy and overwhelming, and your chance to make an impression on a potential employer is only brief. So we’ve put together a checklist to help you make your visit a success.

Before the fair

1. Research companies attending. Check out all the firms that could be interesting to you – including the smaller ones that you might not have heard of if you’re new to the UK. Could they be the best place for you to start or forge your career?

2. Plan questions. You don’t want to waste your time asking about the basics – these will be on the company website. So think about deeper questions that are best asked in person: what they’re looking for in new graduates, company culture, opportunities for progress etc. You might like to know if they have other international graduates working there too.

3. Develop a pitch about yourself. It’s easy to become tongue-tied, particularly if English is not your first language. So prepare a couple of lines: your name, field of study, career aspirations, reason for interest in their company.

If possible, demonstrate something that makes you stand out: perhaps a special interest in one area. Georgi from Romania, who studied Engineering at Loughborough and now works as a Performance & Emissions Engineer for MAHLE Powertrain, says: “Everyone applying for the job you want would have a degree (most of them 2.1 +) so you need a ‘unique selling point’ to make you stand out.”

4. Update your CV and LinkedIn profile. Your university careers service can help you draw up a CV that conforms to UK expectations. While it’s not usual to hand your CV out to company representatives at careers fairs, it’s wise to have it ready to send if requested while you’re still fresh in their minds.

Lena from Turkey, who studied Business at UWE Bristol and is now an HR coordinator for Jaguar LandRover, says: “If possible, seek CV and interview advice from your university's career hub. It is time consuming but remember, this is also part of the journey.”

5. Attend a networking workshop. International students in particular may be nervous about networking in a foreign culture and possibly language. Your careers service may well offer advice and training on this essential skill.

6. Charge up your device or buy a notepad and pen. Get ready to take notes!

At the fair

1. Look smart. You don’t need to wear a suit, but looking well groomed and organised is a good idea, particularly for more traditional careers. You want to make a good first impression.

2. Be time-smart. Avoid visiting at the busiest time (likely to be lunchtime) or going around the fair with friends – you’ll waste valuable networking time. Arrange to meet up with your mates afterwards for a debrief instead.

3. Limit yourself to three-five stands. You’re aiming for quality conversations rather than a scattergun approach, so work out in advance which companies you want to target. You may have to be patient!

4. Get into a dialogue. Remember – careers fairs are a two-way process, with companies and students both trying to impress each other. The pitch and questions that you’ve prepared will hopefully lead into a conversation that will help you and the company work out if you’re a good match. Often, companies send recent graduate recruits along to careers fairs so you can chat with them and find out what the first year in this career would look like for you.

5. Find out people’s names and ask to connect with them on LinkedIn. Making a personal connection is one of the key goals of any careers fair.

Leonard from Malaysia, who studied in the UK and now works as a network support analyst advises: “Keep a large network of contacts, as some of the best jobs may not be advertised publicly.”

6. Take notes. There may well be a lot to take in! As soon as you’ve finished one chat, jot it all down before moving onto the next stand. Make a note of names, key points, dates for applications, and any actions you should follow up.

7. Use free services such as CV checking. Careers fairs are a great place to really sharpen up your CV, especially if they are sector specific. Experts will give you the guidance you need to ensure your resume is up to scratch.

8. Attend relevant talks. You might be surprised to learn how different the UK’s job market is from that of your home country. Attending talks will give you a broader sector-specific picture.

After the fair

1. Connect on LinkedIn. This will help keep you front of mind when relevant positions arise. Keep an eye on your contact’s posts to learn more about working for their company, and reach out with any further questions.

2. Follow up on any actions. If asked, send over your CV as soon as possible, along with a covering email tailored to the conversation you had with them.

3. Identify ways to fill any skills gaps. Perhaps you discovered you lack interview skills? Book in some workshops or practice sessions with your university career service – especially useful for non-native English speakers. Or maybe you realised that leadership skills would go a long way? Getting involved in the management of a university society would be a good place to start.

Akhil from India, who studied Business at UWE Bristol and now works as a manager for Genpact, says: “Use the time during your studies to develop all things the employer will be looking for. We all have weaknesses or areas of development; be honest with yourself to identify your weaknesses and work on them. You have to work at making yourself an asset to the employer, that you are the best option. Take the time to gain the skills and experience needed for this, and use them to build a solid CV which makes this very clear to the employer.”

4. Book your next careers fair! Now you’ve honed your networking skills and gained a better picture of the jobs market in your field, you’ll be raring to go. Good luck!

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