Careers fairs and events

A careers fair is any event where you have the opportunity to meet an employer in their recruitment capacity; they can take many forms and be called a range of names. The Careers Service run multiple fairs throughout the academic year that are open to all students and recent graduates.

They are a fantastic opportunity to meet employers face-to-face, gather information about the opportunities available and ask company representatives questions that you can’t find answers to on their website.

If you know your objective and show up prepared, careers fairs can be a great help in your career planning and job hunting.

View careers fairs and events.

Preparing for a careers fair/event

  • Check the event website before the fair to see who is exhibiting
  • Do some research – the last thing employers want to hear is "what do you do?"
  • Prepare some questions – what do you need to know about an employer before you make a decision to apply to them?
  • Consider what you’ll wear – first impressions are very important; you don’t necessarily need to wear a suit but coming straight from the gym might not leave the impression you want
  • Plan which employers you want to see first
  • Prepare a brief (30 second) introductory speech about yourself, which you can use when you approach the employer. Include your name, course of study, year, and career interests

What should I do at the careers fair/event?

  • Gather information and materials from each organisation's stand, not just the ones you are particularly interested in. Once you review the information, your preferences may change
  • When you visit the stands of the employers you are interested in, make sure you speak to one of the employer representatives. Make eye contact, offer a handshake, smile and show enthusiasm. Ask them the questions you have prepared
  • Make sure you leave with the employer's materials, answers to your questions, a clear idea of the recruitment process and the name of the representative you spoke to. Ask for their business card - your application may be made stronger by mentioning the name of the person you met

What should I do after the careers fair/event?

  • Review how it went - were you prepared enough? What did you learn? What would you do differently next time?
  • Read the information you gathered and decide your next step e.g. more research, complete an application
  • Connect with all the people you spoke with on the day on LinkedIn