Graduate careers fairs - student and university employment exhibitions

Graduate careers fairs and student and university exhibitions are a great way for you to discuss job opportunities, training and career prospects with graduate recruiters in a relaxed yet constructive environment. With hundreds of employers in one place at one time they provide a unique opportunity to sell yourself.

Some graduate careers fairs are quite general and offer all types of employment while others are industry-specific and will be dedicated entirely to jobs in IT, for example. Look out for flyers around your university or check out national newspapers for advertisements telling you which fairs are taking place.

Before you go to a recruitment fair it's important to be aware of your strengths, skills and aspirations. Preparation is vital. Think about what type of jobs interest you. Look at the list of exhibitors and find out about the ones you like the sound of. This will save you time on the day because you'll know which companies you want to talk to - you may not have time to see everything. The more you know about the company in question, they more impressed they'll be.

Identify the questions you want to ask each company too. Write them down and take them with you. Again, you will stand out if you ask intelligent questions.

Dress appropriately on the day - first impressions are extremely important. If you bother to wear a suit and everyone else is in jeans, you'll look more professional. Don't just go around picking up leaflets and pens, it is important for you to talk to employer's representatives. This may seem nerve-wracking at first but you'll soon get the hang of it. Look interested when they're talking and ask questions but be subtle - don't tell them you're desperate for a job, you may come across as unprofessional.

Remember, exhibitions are a two-way thing; employers are trying to sell themselves to you too. These events can help you decide whether you really want to work for a particular company, so find out what you want to know.

Most importantly, take a few copies of your CV with you and ensure they're up-to-date. Leave copies with all prospective employers. They may be very busy on the day but if they have your CV, they can look at it later when they have more time.

The way you present yourself at exhibitions will tell people a lot about you. So act professionally not just in how you dress but in how you speak and conduct yourself when you're there. Be aware of your body language and make sure, if you shake hands, you do it firmly and confidently. There's nothing worse than a limp handshake!

To find out more about exhibitions going on around the UK, click here.