Careers and Employability Annual Careers Fair Tips for Success
Make the most of YOUR Careers Fair
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To make the most of the Careers Fair, make sure you do some research before the big day. Remember, this could be your chance to impress your new boss.
Make a list of exhibitors to target
Check our list of exhibitors for the Cairns (PDF, 129 KB) and Townsville (PDF, 110 KB) Careers Fairs.
Do your research
Find out as much as you can about each of your target employers before the day.
This can be done using:
- Exhibitors’ own websites
- The Graduate Opportunities website (www.graduateopportunities.com.au)
Information you should seek
When researching your target employers, we recommend you research the following topics:
- Graduate and vacation employment programs
- Skills and qualities the employer is looking for in graduates
- Organisational values and culture
- Products and services
- Organisational structure
- Key activities
- Future plans and goals
- Application processes and closing dates – very important!
Prepare your questions
Make a list of questions you want to ask each exhibitor. Avoid making a poor impression by asking questions you should already know the answer to.
Example questions you might ask:
- Could you give examples of the types of day-to-day tasks involved in graduate roles?
- What are the biggest challenges your graduates face?
- What specialist skills might be required?
- What roles might I be rotated through?
Prepare to introduce yourself to exhibitors
Prepare an introduction you can use on the day. Keep it short, no more than thirty seconds.
Mention your name, program and year of study and follow with an open-ended question or a statement about your interest in the organisation. For example, "I've been researching your company and I’m interested in finding out more about ... "
Prepare for questions you might be asked
Think about questions employers might ask you, and positive ways of responding which highlight your skills and qualities. Questions you might be asked include:
- Why are you interested in this organisation/industry?
- What are your expectations of graduate employment?
- What is important to you in establishing your career?
- Do you have any previous work experience in this field?
- Will you be undertaking further study?
- What is your availability to commence work?
On the day
- Look and behave professionally. Dress is important; smart casual is suitable, business attire is better.
- Communicate with confidence.
- Bring a pen and notepad.
- Collect a map and information sheet at the entrance to the Careers Fair.
- Allow enough time to meet with exhibitors. The Careers Fair is a busy event and you may need to wait to speak to exhibitors.
- Don’t forget to thank exhibitors you talk to for their time and input.