Make no mistake - graduate employment is competitive.  

 

Every year, students attend the Careers Expo for varying reasons. Have you consider what you would like to gain from attending the Careers Expo? 

So how 'career ready' are you? Which stage of preparedness would you claim that you're currently at - 1, 2 or 3? Realistically, in today's competitive recruitment environment, if you're still at 'Stage 1' by the time the Careers Expo rolls around in March, employers are unlikely to pay you as much time and attention as they will give other students - i.e. your competitors - who front up to them clearly already at 'Stage 2' or, even better, at 'Stage 3' of readiness. 

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. 

Of course, if you want to be really prepared, you'll also make sure you attend one of our Researching and Preparing for the Careers Expo workshops in March and April and find the time to act upon our full range of advice at www.careers.unsw.edu.au. 

You are encouraged to research Employer websites prior to the Expo, attend their Information Session, which will provide you with valuable information. 

Careers and Employment surveyed organisations participating in the 2005 and 2006 Careers Expos to find out how you can make the best impression with them. Review our Advice from 2005 Employers to UNSW students and Advice from 2006 Employers to UNSW students articles. 

Begin to reflect on the various - relevant - attributes you can offer employers, summarising these in a quality resume.

Practise a one-minute 'infomercial' for employers - that introduces you, summarises what you're looking for and outlines what you can offer them. 

You'll be needing all the energy you can muster, if you're to take advantage of all the opportunities. 

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. 

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?" 

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. 

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!

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. 

Broaden your research to include recruiters who didn't attend the Expo. 

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. 

Don't forget to stay abreast of the latest graduate recruitment news and developments on the Expo Homepage.