Navigating the world of postgraduate opportunities and the transition from student to professional life typically begins at job and internship fairs and is often a pivotal moment where students have the opportunity to connect with potential employers who help them pave the way for acing interviews and successfully launching their careers.
Job and internship fairs provide invaluable opportunities for students to network, meet with potential employers, gain knowledge and explore different industries, learn about job opportunities and learn more about what recruiters are searching for in future candidates.
Here are some useful guidelines to help you prepare and start a conversation with recruiters.
Research before the job fair
- Pre-register for the job fair and discover the companies that will be attending.
- Prioritize the top companies you want to target.
- Research the employers you have identified, visit their website, and learn as much as you can about the company prior to attending the fair.
- Prepare and tailor questions for recruiters to show your interest and knowledge and to demonstrate your genuine interest in the company. Questions can focus on company culture, job roles, development opportunities and benefits.
Preparing to attend the job fair
- Update your resume prior to attending the job fair to highlight your qualifications, soft skills, experience and accomplishments that would be relevant for the role you are seeking.
- Pro Tip 1: In the objective portion of your resume specify the job and company.
- Pro Tip 2: Add keywords from the job description into your resume.
- Join the employer’s talent community in advance of the job fair so your resume is readily available for the talent acquisition team.
- Prepare multiple copies of your resume.
- Consider bringing your portfolio of work, (if applicable).
- Have your 60-second elevator pitch ready that is brief and engaging. The pitch should introduce who you are, your background and your career aspirations. Be confident, believe in yourself and what you can achieve!
- Hi, my name is XXXX and I am currently majoring in XXXX, I am interested in obtaining an internship with your company. What current opportunities do you have available that I might be a fit for my background?
Attending the job fair
- Dress professionally with appropriate attire.
- Have a firm handshake and make good eye contact.
- Visit the top companies you prioritized first.
- Introduce yourself to the recruiter and provide them with a copy of your resume. Tell them about your interest in their company, your career interests and why you feel you would be a great fit. (See elevator pitch above)
- Maintain focus and interest during the discussion by being prepared with a list of questions for the recruiter.
- To wrap up your conversation, thank the recruiter, obtain their business card, and ask how you can get back in touch.
After the job fair
- Plan a follow-up strategy:
- Send an email to the recruiter thanking them and reminding them of your interest.
- If you are applying for an internship, ask how you can proceed with your application and the best way to stay connected.
- If you are not selected for an interview you may want to politely ask if they have any feedback that could be useful moving forward.
- Sign up for company’s job alerts on their website.
CAE is committed to nurturing and fostering a culture of continuous learning and development among its workforce. Attending our job and internship fairs is a rewarding experience to discover our unique career opportunities and how we play a crucial role in supporting the readiness of defense forces for the moments that matter. We look forward to meeting you and talking to you about our innovative solutions for the next generation training!
