How to get the best out of a jobs fair

Employers usually do not interview at the fair, but they may collect business cards and CVs that can lead to meaningful interviews in the weeks to come. Nevertheless, jobseekers should be ‘on’ when they attend a jobs fair, because serious interviews can occur on the spot. How can you get the best out of a job fair?

Dress for success. When you attend a jobs fair, wear proper business attire. You may be meeting your new boss and want your first impression to be professional.

Bring your ‘A’ game. Print a dozen or so copies of your CV and have those at hand to leave with potential employers (see our top tips for CV success.) If you are in transition, consider getting business cards. They don’t have to be fussy, but it helps if they are professionally printed and not printed on your home computer.

Do your homework. Read the fair guide before you go to find out which companies are present. Make a shortlist of those you most want to visit, then familiarise yourself with the company websites. That way, when you meet the employer, you will seem knowledgeable – and you won’t waste their time asking something a basic online search will answer.

Ask the right questions. Avoid asking what the company does (you should have done your homework) or items such as how much they pay or what they can offer you. Better questions would encompass what experience they like applicants to have or how they would describe the company culture.