Your guide to
Career fairs

Your guide to
Career fairs

There are many ways in which you can attend a fair. And it is much better to ”sniff around” the different booths a little (and taste some of the candy they often hand out) that not to go at all!
However, we encourage you to talk to some of the companies – preferably well-prepared.
You do not have strive towards a specific job. A chat with the companies can also give you:
- Insights into a company and/or industry
- Practice in speaking to representatives from a firm
- Opportunity for feedback on your CV – what do the companies look for, when selecting prospects?
3 tips for attending a fair:
1.
Decide why you want to attend
2.
Do some research on the companies and select a few, that you will focus on
3.
Prepare questions and be ready for conversation – prepare so that you are able to tell something about yourself and your competencies
It is not about giving a ”pitch”. It is about preparing good questions, thinking about what you could do for the company, and then starting a dialogue.
Where can I learn more?
How should I prepare for the fair?
Which career fairs should I attend?
Virtual fairs - what should I be aware of?
Virtual fairs are a little different from "regular" physical fairs, but much is also the same. Only they are online.
What should I do after the fair?
- Is there anyone you should contact again?
- Was it just a meeting that made you more certain or wiser on some aspects?
- Are you going to collaborate with the company on a project, project-oriented course or maybe even a job of some sort?
Write a message to the person in your request – it seems much more personal and less ”I just want a lot of people in my network”-like. You don’t have to write a novel; just say that you talked at the fair, and that what she/he was doing sounded interesting. The purpose is that you get to have people in your network who can help you get wiser. Perhaps you even discover other interesting people and companies as your network expands.
Be aware, that if you initiate a dialogue it will be with a clear value for the company and therefore it will not feel as ”pushy” when you call or write the person or another employee at the company.
Don’t ask for anything but ask about their work and their competencies – most people like to share their experiences.
Get a guidance session with AAU Career
Throughout your time as a student at AAU, you can get free career guidance on everything to do with your career. You may be in doubt about what you can do with your education, how you can put your competencies into words, or perhaps you need professional eyes on your CV.
Contact the career counsellors and have a chat about exactly what you need.