Golden Tips for making a favourable impression with Employers at the Careers Expo
Make no mistake - graduate employment is competitive.
Every year, students attend the Careers Expo for varying reasons. Have you considered what you would like to gain from attending the Careers Expo?
- To obtain some broad, background information on possible career options "out there in the real world of work".
- To research the skills and other personal attributes sought after by employers, preferably those recruiting from your field of study.
- To begin marketing your identified talents to a targeted shortlist of graduate employers.
As with writing great job applications - or Uni assignments, or indeed achieving many things in life - the rewards tend to gravitate towards the minority who have best prepared themselves for the challenge ahead. Make sure that's you this year!
Below are some quick checklists for what you can be doing before, during and after the UNSW Careers Expo.
QUICK CHECKLIST - Before the Expo
Do your Research
You are encouraged to research employer websites prior to the Expo, attend their
Employer Presentation, which will provide you with valuable information.
Update your Resume
We suggest you bring copies of your resume to the Expo. After discussion with employers, you could hand them your resume if they are interested. Be sure to attend one of our resume workshops first!
What are employers looking for?
Careers and Employment surveyed organisations participating in the Careers Expos to find out how you can make the best impression with them. Review our
Advice from Employers article.
Prepare your marketing tools
Begin to reflect on the various, relevant attributes you can offer employers, summarising these in a quality resume.
Go Talk to a Mirror!
Practise a one-minute 'infomercial' for employers - that introduces you, summarises what you're looking for and outlines what you can offer them.
Get some sleep the night before the Expo!
You'll be needing all the energy you can muster, if you're to take advantage of all of the opportunities.
QUICK CHECKLIST - During the Expo
Dress the Part
In our survey, most employers reported they don't expect you to wear full business attire to the Expo, so 'smart casual' is OK. Don't forget to bring your list of which organisations you intend to speak with.
Intelligent Questioning
Approach the booths of targeted organisations, asking politely who is the best person for you to discuss your specific career interests with – meanwhile the less-prepared are wandering aimlessly, asking "So what does your company do?"
Listen for Clues
Using your questions - arising from your earlier analysis of employer needs and audit of your own abilities - listen out for info that will be vital when you come to write your formal application.
Build Your Contacts
Broadcast your 'infomercial', offer to leave a copy of your resume and ask for a business card – nothing to be scared of, it's just talking!
QUICK CHECKLIST - After the Expo
Follow Up
Re-contact people you spoke with at the Expo, thanking them for their time and asking for any additional advice they can offer you. When you come to apply, you can also mention or thank that person in your cover letter.
Lateral Thinking
Broaden your research to include recruiters who didn't attend the Expo.
Clear Your Desk!
OK, that's hardly likely to happen at such a busy time of year, but at least revisit your priorities - draw up a target list of organisations you intend applying to, diarising their closing dates for applications so you don't miss them.
Remember
Don't forget to stay abreast of the latest graduate recruitment news and developments on the
Expo Homepage.