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Tips for the Careers Fair

What to do before the Careers Fair

Making the most of the Fair is critical if you want to understand how to apply for a graduate program and what employers will be looking for. Take time to prepare for the Careers Fair; here are some tips to help you maximise the benefits of attending this event:

1. So how do you choose which companies you will apply to?

  • Check www.ssu.uts.edu.au/careers to see which companies are coming on campus
  • Which are recruiting from your area of study and your permanent residency status? (Note: most will only be recruiting local students)
  • Think about the sort of work you would like to do and check company websites to see if there is a match
  • Attend Company Info Sessions (as many as possible). You will find they aren't as busy as the Careers Fair therefore you have more of an opportunity to make an impact. They are a great way to learn about the culture of company's and what they are offering
  • Check professional associations for employers surveys, information evenings etc
  • Use Net That Career (at www.ssu.uts.edu.au/careers) to help source your options

2. Once you have decided which companies to target, research, research, research!

  • Go to each company website and become familiar with its divisions, major projects, breaking news etc. Read the "About Us" section!
  • Use the press to figure out where the company sits in its industry. What industry trends are occurring? How could these create opportunities for your target company?
  • Make sure you visit the graduate recruitment section of the website. This will tell you about the expectations of employers, the selection process and other valuable information
  • Double check the closing date for applications and set aside time to work on them - they are time-consuming and websites can be VERY slow as the closing date approaches
  • Think through subjects that could become relevant topics at the Fair and plan a couple of appropriate questions for each company you are interested in

3. Researching your options is important

  • We know you're busy but applying to grad roles is a time-consuming business. It is much better to complete a manageable number of quality, well-researched applications well before the closing date, than attempt heaps of last minute online rush jobs

 

What to do during the Careers Fair

1. At registration

  • Bring your UTS student ID
  • Collect your event floorplan
  • Fill in your nametag CLEARLY with your name and area of study

2. Follow your plan

  • Take a few moments to look at your event floorplan and orient yourself
  • Go straight to the exhibitors you are most interested in
  • If you have time, go back to the start of the Fair and talk to all relevant exhibitors - you may be pleasantly surprised by the variety of opportunities available

3. Approach only relevant exhibitors

  • All exhibitors are interested in local students (Australian students and those with PR) and undergraduate students
  • If you are a postgraduate student or do not have permanent residence, check company requirements. The symbols P and I will be on your floorplan and on each booth to assist you: P - Interested in postgraduate students I - Interested in international students
  • Generally, companies will require you to have permanent residence at the time of applying

4. First impressions are important

  • Smart casual attire is best. Exhibitors don't expect to see you in suits, but torn or revealing clothing is not appropriate
  • Project a confident and relaxed attitude. This is an important event, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't enjoy yourself!

5. Try to make meaningful contact with exhibitors

  • Introduce yourself to employers with a handshake and a smile! State your name and area of study
  • Exchange information and be prepared to show your research on the company by asking intelligent questions
  • Ask for business cards
  • Note names and other info that will help in your applications (take a small notebook and a pen with you)

6. Etiquette

  • DO be respectful toward representatives and other students
  • DO NOT go round collecting freebies or ask for gifts
  • DO thank representatives for their time

 

What to do after the Careers Fair

1. Get your priorities straight!

  • Sift through the information you have gathered and decide which organisations you would like to apply to
  • Use Careers Service resources such as workshops and podcasts to prepare yourself (topics include: online applications, writing a resume, assessment centres, interviews)
  • Many applications for graduate roles close during exams or when major assignments are due. Prioritise so don't have to rush your applications and or miss interviews

2. Be aware of:

  • The generic and technical skills your target employer is looking for, and how YOU match those skills
  • The selection process, how it works, important dates etc
  • The key elements of a resume/application form and how to tailor your resume to meet the selection criteria and requirements of the position

3. Personalise your application

  • Give some thought to written answers
  • Check your writing is clear and concise. Take time to draft and proofread for spelling and grammatical errors
  • Do mention the name of any contacts you have within the company (and where you met them) in your application/cover letter. It may differentiate you from hundreds of others

You got through the application round - what next?

  • Aptitude testing
  • Assessment centre
  • Interviews
  • Offers Check www.ssu.uts.edu.au/careers for when the next workshops on these topics will be held

Finally, be aware that the Campus Recruitment program isn't the only way to gain a graduate job. Many organisations recruit later in the year or don't come on campus. Go to www.ssu.uts.edu.au/careers to look at job vacancies online and the award winning career research tool, Net That Career.

 

For International students

1. Again, approach only relevant exhibitors

  • Most exhibitors require applicants to have permanent residence at the time of applying
  • If you do not have permanent residence, check company requirements on the careers service website
  • An "I" on your floorplan and on each booth will tell you which exhibitors have indicated an interest in students without permanent residence
  • Only approach the exhibitors displaying this "I"

2. "Interest" in International students could mean any of the following:

  • The exhibitor is recruiting for positions that are in overseas countries
  • The exhibitor is will to sponsor people who do not have permanent residence to work here in Australia
  • The exhibitor is happy to talk to people who do not have permanent residence about roles in the future when they DO have permanent residence

3. Will you be eligible in future years?

  • Note that many graduate programs are available to students up to 3 years after completion of their course. While you may not be eligible to apply now, you can finish your course, gain permanent residence (and some local experience!) and apply to the program next year. Check company websites for more information.