Maria Barden | Career Consultant
Navigating Career Fairs and Networking Events
Career fairs and networking events are valuable opportunities for students and graduates to connect with potential employers and industry experts. Navigating these events requires thorough preparation and strategic planning to ensure you make the most of them and present yourself professionally.
Consider these tips to help you navigate career fairs and networking events effectively, allowing you to create lasting professional connections that can support in your career journey.
Prior preparation:
Before attending a career fair or networking event, start by establishing your career goals and identifying what you aim to achieve from the event. Next, research the potential employers or professionals who will be attending. Career fairs often feature employers from various industries, so as part of your preparation, focus on target employers offering roles that interest you. This will enable you to have more focused conversations that align with your career objectives.
Prepare your elevator pitch:
When introducing yourself to new connections and potential employers, you are likely to answer the ‘Tell me about yourself’ question. This is an opportunity to convey who you are, what you are looking for, and what you can bring to a new role. You can discuss:
- What course you are studying, why you are studying this course, and any relevant knowledge and skills you are gaining.
- Any previous experience, including work experience, internships, volunteering, additional courses, and extracurricular activities.
- Your strengths and skills that relate to the industry or role.
- Your career plans and motivations to join the industry or organisation. If you have researched the organisation, this highlights your enthusiasm!
To perfect your elevator pitch, record yourself presenting it or practice with friends and family members.
Starting Conversations:
Approaching a hiring manager at a stand during a career fair provides an opportunity to learn more about an organisation and its opportunities.
Attending panel discussions or professional industry speaker events at networking events is also an effective way to gain industry insights. Afterwards, approach the speaker and engage with a topic they discussed by sharing your thoughts or feelings about it to initiate a conversation.
Update your CV and LinkedIn:
Ensure that your CV and LinkedIn are current and professional, as they are reflective of your personal brand. Tailor your CV to your career goals, considering relevant skills, experiences, and achievements. If you are interested in exploring multiple careers, you may need a few versions of your CV. You may want to take a few copies of your CV to hand out to employers.
Maintain valuable connections:
Follow up with connections you have made or hiring managers you have networked with by sending a follow-up email or LinkedIn message. Employers will have spoken with many students and graduates throughout the day, so sending a short message to thank the hiring manager for their time can go a long way in highlighting your enthusiasm.
Remember, networking isn’t always about asking, ‘Can you get me a job?’ Networking is about building relationships, gaining insights into the industry, and learning from experienced professionals. It’s an opportunity to seek advice, gather information, and make connections that can lead to future opportunities. Opportunities are tied to people, and growing your network can be invaluable throughout your career. You may not leave a career fair or networking event with a job, but a connection you make may support you in the future!
Master your mindset:
Attending career fairs and networking events can be nerve-racking, especially if you haven't been to such an event before. These occasions provide excellent opportunities to step outside your comfort zone and practice your communication and networking skills, crucial in a professional environment. If nerves are a challenge, consider attending with a classmate for support. By mastering your mindset, you can approach these events with confidence and maximise the opportunities they offer.
Top Tip: Find your LinkedIn QR code in the search bar on your mobile device. This allows you to build connections on LinkedIn and increase your network.
