5 October 2023
Why You Should Go To A Careers Fair
Careers fairs are a vibe.
You might think that careers fairs are only for people at university or that you need to be a certain age to attend. We’re here to tell you that’s absolutely wrong. There are careers fairs for school leavers just like you who may (or may not) be looking to join the world of work.
There’s a mixture of in-person and virtual events for you to choose from. But why should you go? Here are five reasons why you should attend a careers fair.
- Meet employers and universities
- Take part in extra activities
- Learn about all your options
- Practice your networking skills
- Get advice on your CV
1. Meet employers and universities
Sure, you can read about a company or university from their About pages. But you’ll learn so much more from talking to those who already know what it’s like to work or study there.
If you have any questions, you can get them answered immediately. Plus, it’s also a perfect way to make a first impression before applying.
What should I ask?
You’ll be speaking to recruiters, which is excellent. Use the opportunity to learn more about what they’re looking for in a candidate and the application process.
Sometimes you’ll speak to a current student or apprentice. It’s your chance to hear first-hand insights into what their day-to-day role looks like. They’ve been in your shoes and might be able to give you some application tips.
Started your apprenticeship applications already? Stand out from the crowd with tons of CV, cover letter prep, and interview advice.
2. Take part in extra activities
There’s more than employers, recruiters and unis at careers fairs. You can hear talks on various topics, get advice from impartial advisors, participate in employability workshops and much more. These are usually FREE, so be sure to take advantage.
Where else can you learn so much in just one room or screen?
In-person careers fairs
If you’re attending an in-person careers fair, there are loads of goodies and freebies to walk away with. Pens, tote bags, badges, lanyards, you name it – you’ll get one.
Employers and careers officers will know when you’re only talking to them because they’re giving away branded vegan cupcakes. Think of freebies as a great way of reminding yourself of the employers you met during the fair.
3. Learn about all your options
You might already have a specific career in mind or need to figure out what you want to do. A school-leaver careers event will help you out, no matter how prepared you think you are.
Careers fairs are an opportunity to discover jobs, universities, courses, skills and career paths you may never have known existed. You could be surprised by what you find – and it could change the course of your career forever.
If it only confirms what you want to do, all the better! It’s nice knowing you’re right.
4. Practice your networking skills
Networking is super important; attending a careers fair will be the best place to develop those skills.
Networking is something you’ll be doing a lot of during your professional career, so it’s probably one of the most essential skills you’ll learn before entering the work environment. It’s also your chance to learn how to speak to people in a professional setting.
5. Get advice on your CV
Some careers fairs run CV workshops. Definitely go! Why? Because it’ll be looked at by experts who can give you inside tips that’ll boost your CV by a gazillion per cent. A great CV can open up doors.
NOW WHAT?
Go to a school leaver fair!
Book your ticket, check out the guest list, plan your journey, pick the right outfit and take the first step in your career. Or if you’re attending online, all you have to do is register! Simple.
There are loads of events that take place across the UK annually.
What Career Live? and What University Live? are school events for 15 to 19-year-olds.
They take place annually, and the dates and locations change, so it’s best to sign up for their newsletter to find out when they happen.
We also host our RateMyApprenticeship virtual event, where you’ll get the chance to meet directly with employers and hear from current apprentices. Sign up below to find out more.
