Careers fair

It’s a chance for you to speak to companies you could work for after your course has finished and ask questions about the graduate opportunities on offer.

Important: This is not an event for finding a part-time job or an Advanced Practice internship.

To make the most of the fair and to create a good impression on the employers you speak to it is very important that you do some preparation.

• Research the companies that will be there. Go to their website to find out about what they do. Some companies will be looking for graduates from any subject.
• Prepare the right questions to ask. Find out more about what the opportunities involve, what it’s like to work at the company and the recruitment process but avoid questions which could be easily answered by looking at the company's website.
• Develop your CV - tailor it to your chosen employers and market your strengths. Some employers accept CVs on the day. Remember to take a number of copies with you.
• Rehearse what you are going to say on the day.

• Seek support from the Student Futures staff at the welcome desk if you are unsure which organisations to talk to.
• Introduce yourself to employers and aim to make a positive impression - tell them your name, course and year of study. Make eye contact and smile to build up a rapport. Smiling will also help you relax.
• Demonstrate that you have done some research into the company. Ask relevant questions and show interest in what the employer is saying by adding some follow-up comments and questions.
• Collect names, contact details or cards and try to make notes when you move away from a stand - write down the names of people you have spoken to and what they told you. Ask each employer for the best way to follow-up your conversation.
• Try not to come across as arrogant, for example, by asking 'Why should I join your company?' or 'What have you got to offer me?'
• Don't just grab a freebie and leave.
• Thank each employer for their time.

• Don't treat the event as an end in itself. Take time to review all the information and act in the following couple of weeks, whether it's applying for work experience, refining your CV or researching other options. Connect with the people you spoke to on LinkedIn and follow the companies.
• Add value to applications by explaining that your interest in their organisation stems from 'the careers fair where xxx told me xxx'. This demonstrates that you have a genuine interest in their organisation.
• Stand out. In smaller organisations, the person who attends the fair may later shortlist candidates. Referencing their name in an application may help them remember you - this could be advantageous if you made a good impression at the fair.
• Exchange. Many employers bring Teesside University graduates to the fair with them. If you exchanged contact information with one of them, send them a thank you email or follow up with a personalised LinkedIn invitation.