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How international students can get the most from careers fairs

Careers fairs can be a nerve-wracking business. With hundreds of employers and a plethora of keen candidates to compete with, it bodes well to be prepared.

First up, why is successful navigation of a careers fair so important? Well, they can help you to delve deeper into your chosen industry or career path, and allow you to foster and build networks. Not all employers will take CVs on the day, but if you can make a good enough impression, maybe you won’t need to rely on that resumé.

So, just how can you make the most of the fair? Here are four tips that are sure to see you through.

Prepare an elevator pitch

At careers fairs, every conversation you have is a kind of mini-interview, so you need to make an unforgettable first impression. Recruiters are busy people (and you’re far from the first or last person they’ll see), so be sure to make it short, succinct and, most importantly, memorable.

Make a plan

Unlike the freshers’ fair where you can just wander around collecting freebies, this is one event you need a definite plan of action for. Print out or familiarise yourself with the floor plan and rank businesses in terms of your interest in them. This way, you can hit the big ones without wasting hours walking around, and if the queues are too long, you can simply move on to the next one to make the most of your time. Find out which careers fairs are happening near you by clicking here or here.

Do your research

The organisations at the fair will meet a lot of eligible graduates throughout the day, so if you turn up with limited knowledge of what the company does, you may end up flopping. By researching beforehand, you can target the companies that interest you the most and really get to know them, their products and services.

Not only will this make you more memorable, but hiring managers really value candidates who know their industry and can ask intelligent questions. This demonstrates ambition, interest and shows that you have initiative.

Research is doubly important for international graduates because visas can throw a spanner in the works. It’s always best to check prior to the fair, as some employers may only offer certain positions to international students or may not offer any at all. Save both you and the employer time by finding out before the event.

Look the part

Given that you may be meeting your potential employer, it’s important that you dress for the occasion. You don’t have to go for the full-on business look, but smart casual works well – add a smile and a firm handshake and you’re good to go!

Finally, don’t fret if you missed the latest fair or if you couldn’t find your perfect role, because here at GradLink, we offer a wealth of unbeatable vacancies for internships, placements and permanent positions. Find your next step by signing up with us today.