Preparing for the Summer Careers Fair
Ever heard the saying “failing to prepare is preparing to fail”? Well, let me tell you, it’s TRUE. Careers Fairs are great because they allow students to meet a range of employers and learn what their potential future employees have to offer them.
This particular fair is not just offering graduate jobs, either. With Summer Experience programmes, local employers offering part-time work, and internships on offer, attending the Jobs Now Careers fair is a great way to prepare for your future whatever stage of your study you’re at.
If you are undecided about a career, they are an opportunity to explore and learn more about your options. If you have already decided on a career, meeting with employers at the fair enables you to gain further information about that organisation which can really make a difference in your application. It is likely that the recruiter that you meet at the fair will be involved in recruiting you for the job so it would be a good idea to try and make the best first impression possible.
Before the Fair
Careers fairs can seem like quite a scary idea beforehand and it’s very easy to become overwhelmed by the nerves and anxiety of the sheer thought of having to speak to that many employers. However, you can quite simply overcome these feelings with some basic preparation.
One way to prepare would be to read the fair guide as this will help you avoid wandering round aimlessly with no sense of purpose. It’s unlikely that the fair would be of any benefit to you if you were to do this. However, by looking at the fair guide you will be able to plan and prioritise all of the companies/ organisations that you wish to visit.
Research
Another way to boost both your confidence and your chances of success is to make sure you have researched the employers that will be attending. You should aim to familiarise yourself with their business, recruitment strategies and culture beforehand. This will further enable you to make that first face-to-face meeting count so you can find out about their graduate and work experience opportunities.
Just remember, you can always come and see us here at the Career Development Services if you feel worried or nervous about how you’re going to network at the fair. Whether you’re in your very first year, or your last, here at the University of Bradford Career Development Services, we will do whatever we can to help you make the most of the day.