Employee guide to graduate fairs

Do your research

Think beforehand about what you hope to achieve. Are you simply attending to see what employers are in your sector or are you actively looking to find a job? What roles do you think you will be suited to? Consider your key attributes; what traits are important to employers and what experience and examples do you have to demonstrate these?

Prepare in advance

Take several copies of your CV with you. It is the perfect opportunity for you to put them in the hands of the people that matter, plus you have the chance to sell yourself too. Of course, make sure your CV is correctly formatted and double check that there aren’t any spelling or grammar mistakes.

Many employers are keen to undertake on-the-spot interviews if they think you are suitable and they have a current vacancy. This interview may take the form of an informal chat, so be wary of what you are saying and how you will be perceived. You may be talking to a prospective employer or a future colleague, so whilst you should ensure that you ask lots of questions, make sure they are well thought out and relevant.

Plan your day

Some of the larger graduate fairs are held in huge halls and it can be difficult to find the employers you want. Look on the website before you attend – this will indicate which employers and recruitment agencies are attending and also lets you know where they are located. Otherwise, get an exhibition guide when you first arrive and take 10 minutes to plan your day. You don’t want to waste time with a company that only has engineering positions, if you actually want a job as a graduate quantity surveyor.

Follow up

Many employers will provide contact information and additional literature on their stands. Only pick up information you need – or by the end of the day your arms will be hurting, weighed down by bags of brochures and freebies that you won’t ever look at again! If you are interested in pursuing a role, or want further information about a company, don’t forget to follow it up. quantity surveyors and project managers are in short supply and many employers are now focusing on graduates in order to meet their staffing requirements.