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TIPS FOR MAKING THE MOST OF THE CAREERS EXPO

Opportunities to meet with employers face to face are rare. Seize this chance to make a good impression and you will be more than just another piece of paper when your job applications arrive at their organisations.

The following advice is adapted from an article on the UNSW Careers and Employment web site at It contains the results of a survey UNSW Careers and Employment conducted with organisations that participated in the UNSW 2005 Careers Expo. The survey aimed to find out how students can make the best impression with employers at careers Expos.

  • Demonstrate any prior research you have done into their
    organisation/industry
  • Have questions prepared and written down
  • Approach employers and introduce yourself professionally
  • Smile, shake hands and maintain eye contact
  • Be prepared to talk about yourself. Prepare a brief spiel about your degree studies, major,
    relevant experiences and career interests
  • Listen carefully – base the conversation on employers’ responses rather than asking a
    barrage of questions
  • Demonstrate keen interest in your field and the organisations
  • Demonstrate a high level of communication skills
  • Ask questions about the industry not just the recruitment process
  • Demonstrate interest in the information provided by the employers
  • Show initiative and eagerness – don’t be afraid to ask questions
  • Some of the representatives may be graduate employees. Talk to them about their
    experience with your potential employer

Most Impressive

Students that impressed employers displayed a level of knowledge of the organisation and demonstrated that they had done their research prior to attending the Expo. Examples of specific questions included:

- Will the… takeover affect your graduate recruitment intake?
- I researched on your website and would like to know what you think it takes to make a
successful…?
- How many more shopping centres are you opening over the next year?
- Are you involved in building anything for the Beijing Olympics?

UWS Careers & Cooperative Education

Impressive

General questions that impressed employers:

- How does… differentiate itself from other organisations?
- What are the challenges and rewards of working for…?
- What are the values / strategic direction of…?
- What is the most critical stage in the selection process?
- What are the opportunities for training / development / career progression?
- Why do you choose to work for…?
- What type of work will I be involved in as a graduate / what is the daily routine?

Students who prefaced with a brief and professional introduction, shook hands, maintained eye contact and provided some background information of studies, majors and career aspirations were highly regarded.

Least Impressive

Questions that stood out as demonstrating a lack of research and common sense:

* What does … do?
* How much do I get paid / what is the starting salary?
* Do you have a graduate program / graduate positions?
* What graduates do you need?
* Why do I need to have…major? I have … major – would that do?
* I don’t want to work for … but can you tell me about the graduate program?
* How do I stand out if I can’t be bothered putting through an application?
* What happens if I lie on my application form?
* I applied and haven’t heard anything?
* Do I have to work 40hrs / week?
* Can I have a bottle of water / lollypop / pen?

AFTER THE EXPO
During the Expo collect business cards of the people you speak to and make brief notes on any information or advice they give you. Use these details to personalise your cover letters and make your applications stand out.

  • Send a thank you note or email to anyone who was particularly helpful or encouraging.
  • Use the Expo as the impetus to research and contact other
    organisations you can apply to
  • Reflect on the feedback you gained from the employers or university staff at the Expo and work on any skills or knowledge gaps you might have identified
  • Congratulate yourself on having taken a positive step towards your ongoing career planning and development!

UWS Careers & Cooperative Education

Careers & Cooperative Education