Hints and Tips

To make sure you make the most of the Careers Fair, browse the information below for hints and tips on what to do before, during and after the Careers Fair, and find out what ticks employers off the most, so that you stand out for all the right reasons.

Before the Careers Fair

• Review the list of organisations attending the Careers Fair and identify which employers you would like to meet with.
• Research the employers you are interested in so that you can ask focused and specific questions. A good starting point is the organisation’s website.
• Develop some questions for employers and write them down. These could include:
  • What disciplines are you recruiting from?
  • How many graduates are you looking to recruit?
  • What is the recruitment process?
  • When are our closing dates?
  • Do you have a graduate program?
  • Do you have vacation positions, or offer work experience prior to graduation?
  • What are the main career pathways within your organisation for a graduate with my background?
  • What differentiates this organisation from others?
  • What personal qualities do you look for in a graduate?
  • What specific skills and experience does your organisation value?
  • Can you tell me a bit about your workplace culture?
  • What are the benefits and challenges of working in your organisation?
  • What sort of projects can a graduate expect to participate in?
  • How does your organisation value postgraduate study?
• Practice what you might say to potential employers, so that you make a positive first impression. This should include:
  • You name
  • Your degree
  • When you are graduating
  • Types of roles you are seeking
  • Any work experience you might have
• Attend one of our workshops on ‘Getting Ready for the Careers Fair’ – see CareerHub for details.
  

At the Careers Fair

DO...

• Approach the company representatives confidently, with eye contact and a firm handshake.
• Dress professionally.
• Make a note of all the important information, including closing dates, application processes and visa requirements.
• Collect any relevant literature, handouts and business cards.
• Bring along copies of your resume - not only will some organisations accept them on the day, but you can also use it to talk to the recruiters about your past experience.
• Be prepared to talk about yourself, your interests and goals. While interviews will not be carried out at the Careers Fair, you must be prepared for company representatives to ask you questions. These may include:
  • Why are you attending the Careers Fair?
  • What attracted you to study this degree?
  • Where do you see your career beginning and why?
  • What are your long-term and short-term career goals?
  • What do you know about our organisation?
  • Why would you like to work with our organisation?
  • What are your strengths and weaknesses?
  • What have you done alongside your degree to increase your chances of securing a graduate position?

DON'T...

• Just collect freebies – show interest in the organisation.
• Waste time asking irrelevant questions. Keep your conversations on topic and brief. Be mindful that there are many other students there to talk to them as well.
• Arrive right at the end – allow yourself plenty of time to speak with everyone.

After the Careers Fair

• Read through the information you have collected.
• Identify the organisations you are most interested in and which graduate programs you will apply for.
• Make a note of closing dates so that you don’t miss out on any opportunities.
• Initiate any further communication requested by the employers.
• Make use of the resources and services offered by QUT Careers and Employment, such as our workshops, info sheets and resume feedback service, to help you prepare your applications.

What ticks employers off the most?

• Students who haven’t done their research, and ask:
  • “What does this company do?”
  • “What jobs have you got?”
  • “So what does your company make?”
• Lack of self knowledge – students who, when asked about themselves, simply stammer “umm” and “aahh”.
• Having to explain their business over and over.
• Students who don’t listen, or are obviously distracted when they are being spoken to.
• Mobile phones that are not turned off.
• Students chewing gum or eating while they are speaking to employers.