Career Fairs FAQs


What are Career Fairs?

Exhibitions which allow you to talk informally to representatives from a wide range of organisations, most of which are there to promote their job, placement or learning opportunities.  Some companies may just want to get their brand known.  They will tell you what they do, why you should work for them and how you can apply if you are interested.  Sometimes Fairs are targeted at particular year groups (eg, Graduate Recruitment Fair), in most other cases people can attend irrespective of their year of study.       


What type of Fairs are there?

Fairs are often themed to provide focus (eg, Finance and Management Fair, Graduate Recruitment Fair). 


Why is it always the big companies that attend Fairs?

Inevitably organisations which are looking to recruit large numbers of graduates view Fairs as a means of raising their profile and marketing their opportunities.  Career Destinations tries to address this by organising other events and activities which help to publicise careers which may be under represented at Fairs.   


What if I don't yet know what career I want to go into?

You can get the most from attending Career Fairs if you have done some research into your career plans beforehand.  To help generate ideas you might want to use the career library in Career Destinations, Building 37, attend some other career events or book an appointment with a Career Adviser.  If you want to find out what particular organisations offer you could check whether they are doing an evening  presentation on campus and go along to hear what they have to say. 


How can I prepare?

It really pays to do some homework in advance in order to establish which organisations you want to target on the day.  Use the exhibitor list on our website to do some prior research.  Work out what you want to learn when  visiting the stands and come up with a list of questions which can help provide you with the answers.  It's also helpful to take along some copies of your up-to-date CV in case an organisation asks for it, and a pad and pen.


What should I do at the Fair?

Visit the stands that you have targeted.  It is not necessary to dress smartly but be sure to make a good impression.  Introduce yourself and ask questions which are genuine but which also demonstrate that you have done some research into the organisation.  Write down the contact details of representatives from organisations which interest you, and don't be afraid to reinforce this by following it up within two weeks with a letter, phone call or e-mail.