It’s once again time for the AUBG Job Fair, where you get the chance to meet potential employers, and kick-start your networking endeavours, and ideally, land your first job in your dream career!
According to NACE’s 2024 Student Survey, more than 45% of students who attended a career fair in the past 12 months received an offer to interview with an employer and nearly one-quarter were offered a job after the fair.
We’ve gathered tips to help you get ready for the AUBG career event, from prep time to game time, and ace the recruiting season.
Before the Job Fair
- Do a personal SWOT analysis. Sit down and consider your Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. This will help you evaluate where you’re currently standing and what you can do to improve.
- Research the employers attending the Fair. Use search engines and social media to research employers that interest you. Consider what it is about these companies that stands out to you, and leverage those insights in your communication with them.
- Come up with a plan of action. You need to be strategic during your networking at the Job Fair. Which organizations are you prioritizing? Visit them first. If the Career Center has a floor plan, use it to map out your route.
- Master your CV. Refer to this guide on writing a winning CV, featuring tips and insights from the Job Fair employers. Once you’re happy with it, sumbit it to the AUBG Student Resume Book, which will be distributed to employers participating in the annual Job Fair.
- Optimize your LinkedIn profile. Make sure your LinkedIn porfile is optimized according to the best practices. For further inspiration, follow the expert advice of HR Managers and Job Fair pariticpants on building a strong LinkedIn profile as a student or recent graduate. This will help you with connecting and following up with employers. You can also check out our recorded LinkedIn workshop.
- Prepare questions for employers. You may not have time to ask many questions, but it’s advisable to prepare a few. Develop smart questions that will showcase your interest, bridge the gap between yourself and the recruiter, and also help you in your recruitment journey. Example questions include “What is a typical day at your company like?,” “How would you describe the ideal candidate?,”or “How do you celebrate employee success?”.
During the Fair
- Demonstrate great communication skills. How you present yourself and communicate with potential employers is just as important as submitting a stellar CV and LinkedIn profile. Master the four forms of communication when meeting with company representatives at the Fair:
- Verbal – speak clearly and confidently; be concise.
- Non-Verbal – maintain eye contact and good posture, as well as a genuine smile. If you and the employer are comfortable with shaking hands, use a confident but not forceful handshake. Make sure you look presentable too.
- Written – Follow the “Before the Job Fair” tips and make sure to submit your resume.
- Listening – Practise active listening. Instead of focusing solely on what you are going to say, pay close attention to what the company representative is saying. as they may be reciting you a playbook on how to get hired within the organization.
- Take notes, give resumes, and connect. Make sure to take notes during the event, either written or digital, as you might get lost in all the information each employer provides you with. This will significantly help you in your follow-up strategy. Also, provide a copy of your resume, if asked. Don’t be discouraged by the “apply online” response, as that is a common practice. Instead, focus on making a good impression here and now.
- After you’ve visited all of the companies you had mapped out, don’t just up and leave. Walk the fair and spot any company you haven’t orininally planned on talking with but may interest you now. You never know when a good opportunity might find you, and the connection never hurts.
- Leave with a call-to-action. Ask the employer how best to follow up, including connecting on LinekIn or exchanging business cards. Also, make sure to adhere to applications deadlines and always ask what the next steps are.
After the Fair
- Do a personal debrief – reflect on your personal experience: What went well? What could be improved? What did you learn? Every career fair is a learning experience that helps you improve for the next one and your overall application strategy.
- Send a thank you note. If you received a personal contact or made a connection on LinkedIn, send a thank-you email or message within 48 hours. Even if you aren’t interested in the company right now, maintaining a professional rapport could benefit you later – it’s an investment in your professional brand.
- Never close a door, never burn a bridge. Every interaction at the career fair is a networking opportunity. Even if you realize a company isn’t the right fit, that is not a reason to slam the door shut. You never know when that connection will come in handy, as they may introduce you to someone else in the future! Also, if a friend is interested in that company, you could pass along useful insights and a contact.
- Remember – recruiters were once job seekers too. They know how nerve-wracking job fairs can be. Be confident, authentic, and own your personal brand. You deserve to be there, so make the most of it!
