Chat with us, powered by LiveChat
The UK Careers Fair logo
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
HOMEABOUTEVENTSNEWSJOBS
LONDON
exhibit with usget a ticket
CONTACT US

How to Make the Best Impression Possible at a Careers Fair

by
The UK Careers Fair

One of the best places for anyone that's looking to jumpstart a career or move one forward is a job fair. There are plenty of opportunities to learn more about companies, meet potential employers, make contacts through networking and even learn more about hiring policies.

Just being there can already bring on certain benefits, but successful attendance is a whole new level. Taking responsibility for whatever the final outcome is just as important as preparing for it. Since there will be an abundance of employers in one place, connecting with many is vital.

Read on to learn more about how to make the best impression possible at any job fair:

Arrive Early

When was the last time you had a long day of customer-facing work? Didn't you feel yourself starting to fade away during the latter parts? As the old saying goes, "the early bird catches the worm." Position yourself as if you were one of the recruiters you're hoping to talk to. You will likely catch them in a better, more open mood if you approach them within the first hour or three.

Communicate Appropriately

No matter how kind and approachable a recruiter is, make sure to strike a balance between casual and professional. Handshakes should not be crushing, but firm. Recruiters will take kindly to being able to talk about the company and even its vacancies.

Have a quick pitch at hand that's only a few minutes worth. Summarise work experience, accomplishments and employer benefits. You don’t want to bore them with the details, do you?

Dress Appropriately

An ideal starting point is to view the job fair as a serious job interview. Dress appropriately: wear whatever attire is appropriate for your industry and level. Wearing a baggy sweatsuit when applying for a hotel front-of-house job, for example, is not ideal. That would require something far more formal, such as a suit for guys and a pencil skirt and heels for ladies. Naturally, good posture should be observed at all times.

Also, pay attention to your nervous habits, body language and way of speaking. Make confidence a part of your outfit, too!

Have Important Documents at Hand

This may go without saying, but it's key to bring multiple copies of the resumé. Be sure to print your resume on high-quality paper. Bring a notebook or notepad with writing instruments such as pencils and pens. The pens, in particular, are important since there will likely be plenty of application forms at the fair. At least one master set of the following needs to be on hand at all times:

  • Addresses
  • Phone numbers
  • References
  • Transcript

Even the means of bringing these documents should be proper. A briefcase, portfolio or a plain, clean envelope are ideal.

Conclusion

Job fairs can help you land your dream job, so it’s only proper to take them seriously. In order to make the most of the fair, preparation is key. Make the best impression at a job fair by communicating appropriately, having important documents at hand and arriving early. When you are well-prepared, you’re one step ahead of other applicants and one step closer to your dream job.

Planning to apply for jobs when you’re all done with university? Check out The UK Careers Fair today! We’re the United Kingdom’s leading provider of job fairs, recruitment events and career fairs.

Upcoming Events

Check out our full and comprehensive list of upcoming events.

Stoke-on-Trent Careers Fair
August 2, 2023
Brighton Careers Fair
August 2, 2023
Wolverhampton Careers Fair
August 3, 2023
Southampton Careers Fair
August 4, 2023
Reading Careers Fair
August 9, 2023
Exeter Careers Fair
August 9, 2023
Durham Careers Fair
August 10, 2023
Hull Careers Fair
August 11, 2023
Cheltenham Careers Fair
August 11, 2023
York Careers Fair
August 15, 2023
Liverpool Careers Fair
August 16, 2023
Torquay Careers Fair
August 16, 2023
Carlisle Careers Fair
August 17, 2023
Manchester Careers Fair
August 18, 2023
Canterbury Careers Fair
August 23, 2023
Worcester Careers Fair
August 23, 2023
Bristol Careers Fair
August 24, 2023
Bath Careers Fair
August 25, 2023
Barnsley Careers Fair
August 30, 2023
Milton Keynes Careers Fair
August 30, 2023
Rotherham Careers Fair
August 31, 2023
Oxford Careers Fair
September 1, 2023
Coventry Careers Fair
September 1, 2023
Edinburgh Careers Fair
September 6, 2023
Plymouth Careers Fair
September 7, 2023
Fife Careers Fair
September 7, 2023
Glasgow Careers Fair
September 8, 2023
 TAKE ME THERE