Career fairs are a fantastic opportunity for students. For younger students, it is a chance to find out what career paths are out there. For older students, it is an opportunity to chat directly with employers and working professionals.
Universities and career oriented organisations regularly host career fairs. In the UK alone, there were around 70 careers fairs hosted in 2019.
With the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic, universities and organisations adapted to the new digital first event landscape. Career fairs were moved to a virtual platform. This has made them more accessible than ever.
With increased accessibility, now is the chance for anyone that has not previously attended career fairs to reap the benefits.
However, it begs the question, does everyone know the benefits of career fairs?
1. Networking
Networking is probably the biggest and most well known benefit of career fairs. No doubt every teacher and lecturer talks endlessly about this point. That’s because it is true!
Career fairs can see as many as 40 employers.
Chatting to 40 different companies is no doubt a more effective way to get your foot in the door, as opposed to sending an impersonal CV.
Conversations at career fairs give you an opportunity to connect on LinkedIn, get direct email addresses and build meaningful relationships. All of this makes the job application process so much easier.
2. Unadvertised Jobs
Up to 60% of jobs are not advertised to the public. So how do we find them?
Companies often hire internally. Or, they may hire friends and family for the position. There are many different ways companies hire employees without advertising.
Career fairs are included in this category.
Given the popularity of career fairs, some companies may reserve jobs and graduate scheme opportunities for event attendees. Attending career fairs shows ambition and drive – something every employer is looking for.
Outside of positions companies may have specifically for events, career fairs are a good opportunity to think about future opportunities.
A company may not have a job for you now. However, through networking and relationship building, you may become their go to for future positions. Positions that would otherwise go to friends, family or internal employees.
3. Job Application Tips
While networking is a key focus for event attendees, it is also extremely beneficial to spend some time listening to experts.
Career fairs often feature talks held by recruiters discussing CV advice, interview tips and more. These sessions are a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the process.
With the experience these people have under their belt, it is guaranteed that they will be giving out advice that not even teachers and lecturers know about. First hand advice that can’t be found anywhere else.
4. Company Talks
Expanding upon recruitment based talks, career fairs often give recruiters an opportunity to hold talks. These talks can also bring great value to listeners.
Every company has a different hiring process. They also have different skills they want to see from applicants. These talks are an opportunity for companies to tell their future employees the best way to approach the company and find success during the application process.
Taking time to attend company talks gives you an advantage over others. You will be going into the application process with far more knowledge than those that did not attend the talk. Thus, increasing your chances of making it to the interview stage and beyond.
5. Grad Scheme Tests
For traditional employment, it is not common to take a test as part of the application process. However, numerical and psychometric tests are found extremely often in graduate schemes.
Being knowledgeable about these tests before taking them or applying to graduate schemes give individuals a great advantage.
But how do you know if companies use these tests? And how do you know what companies expect from applicants during these tests?
Company talks.
As mentioned, companies discuss their application process at great length. This will include any tests that applicants will need to take.
Attending company talks will give you the upper hand when it comes to tests.
QURECA Events Calendar
At QURECA, we know the value of career fairs and events in general. That’s why we keep an up to date calendar of all the big events happening within the quantum community – including career fairs.
Becoming a QURECA member gives you access to the calendar. This is a resource not to be missed out on.
We should also mention, it’s FREE!