Manchester University Career Fairs are a great way to meet potential employers and graduate trainees, find out about a postgraduate courses, extend your networking contacts and check out volunteering opportunities. That’s if you prepare well. Take a more casual approach and you could leave with a bundle of leaflets, but not a lot more.
LogicaCMG’s UK Graduate Recruitment Manager, Gary Argent comments, “We’re starting to see students who have done their research before coming to the fair. They’re tending to ask more specific questions, like how they should approach their application, prepare for an interview and so on.” As he says this can make a lasting impression, “A candidate at a recent assessment centre was remembered from his chat with us at the LogicaCMG stand at a fair; it was definitely time well spent, for him and for us.”
When making an application to an employer, make a point of referring to conversations you’ve had with a representative at a fair and mentioning any presentations you’ve attended. This could set you apart from other applicants and will show you’re keen and well informed.
Prepare for the fair
Although Manchester’s fairs are amongst the largest and most popular in the country, they still manage to be friendly and welcoming. Simple preparation will help you make the most of the experience and feel in control.
- If job hunting or searching for an internship or placement, check who’s exhibiting and do some fact finding beforehand. You’ll make a better impression by asking informed questions rather than “What do you do?” Exhibitor information is up-dated regularly on the Careers Service website www.manchester.ac.uk/careers/fairs
- Think about how you’ll introduce yourself. Say what you’re studying, what year you’re in and what you want to ask.
- Prepare questions and answers to questions they might ask you. Draw on your course and outside interests to provide evidence of your skills, strengths and experience.
- Go to a free ‘fairs presentation’ session. They’re run by the Careers Service in advance of the fairs. Check the website for information.
At the fair
- Look professional. Smart is best if you’re job hunting; otherwise smart-casual is fine.
- Take something to write on and carry several pens – this will make you feel and look more organised.
- Whilst most companies now use online application forms, it could still be worth bringing along copies of your CV. Get yours checked at a quick query session at the Careers Service – drop in or phone to make an appointment that day.
The Careers Service is at:
Crawford House, Booth Street East, Manchester, Tel 0161 275 2829
or
C floor, Renold Building, Sackville Street, Manchester, Tel 0161 306 4330
The website is www.studentnet.manchester.ac.uk/careers
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