5 ways to get the most out of the 2016 Career Fairs

 

By Alex Hargreaves

Do you want to start building a network of contacts in your field? Do you want to stand out and linger in the minds of potential employers? The 2016 Gold Coast Careers Fair offers you the perfect opportunity! Employers from a range of industries will be available at the 2016 Gold Coast Careers Fair to discuss career prospects with Griffith students. It is highly important to come armed and prepared on the day, as the event has the potential to be a real game changer. On that note, here are some tips you may find useful to get the most out of your time at Griffith Careers Fair 2016.

1. Come Armed and Prepared

Bring your current resume and cover letter as our Careers Leaders will be available at the Application Station to make sure your documents are well written and have potential to spark the interest of employers. You should also bring a pen and paper to jot down the names of contacts and useful information you pick up on the day. It is also important to bring along your manners – common courtesy leaves a lasting impression on employers. Thank everyone you speak with.

2. Dress to Impress

Employers want to see that you have made an effort to look your best for the event. It doesn’t matter how smart or qualified you are for the role, turning up in a stained T-shirt and your hat on backwards will be an instant deal breaker. The age old saying you should dress for the job that you want, not that job that you have, definitely applies here. It is a good idea to look at what employees from companies you are interested in working for typically wear and try to dress similar on the day. This will help employers to envision you working for their company. If there is no standard dress requirement, aim to look professional. For ideas on professional attire, please see our Pinterest boards ‘Career Styles for Woman’ and ‘Career Styles for Men’.

3. Do your Research

Have a clear idea in your head of all the employers attending the Career Fair that you would be interested in working for. Now, it’s time to do some serious online stalking. Find out as much information as you can so that you will have a base understanding of what each company is about before you approach the employers. This will show that you’re proactive and interested in what they do. It will also help you to formulate some questions that are company specific to ask each of the employers. The more prepared you are, the more confident you will be.

4. Fill your Knowledge Gaps

Make sure you ask the employer some intelligent questions about their company on the day. It is unlikely that the internet will be able to answer all of your questions and it’s good to have questions prepared to stimulate conversation. Some great questions to have on the tip of your tongue include:

1. What are the future plans and goals of the company?
2. What are the key skills required to work in the role?
3. What tasks will be involved in the graduate program?
4. What is the application process and the last date to apply?

This is an opportunity to market yourself as a potential candidate to the employer. Let the employer know exactly why you want to work for their company and why they would be making the right choice in hiring you. Never sell yourself short, but avoid sounding arrogant.

5. Have Intelligent Responses Prepared

You will not be the only one asking questions. The employers will certainly have questions for you – you don’t want to be standing there umm-ing and ahh-ing with invisible question marks above your head. Some standard questions that you should be prepared to answer include:

1. Do you have any previous work experience in this field?
2. What are your skills/talents?
3. Why are you interested in this organisation?
4. When could you commence working with us?

Now that you have been prepped for the event, it’s time to take charge and work the room. Be confident, act professional and let the networking begin.