We asked some top NI employers for their careers fairs tips ahead of our Spring Recruitment Fair on 9 February. Here is what they had to say:
Help employers get to know you
“Ensure your profile is up to date. That will help us get to know you. Get to know us by doing some research ahead of the event. Careers fairs are excellent networking opportunities, so stay in touch! Most importantly, enjoy it.”
Clodagh Nugent, Talent Acquisition, Allstate
Do your research
“Employers are impressed by students who have taken the time to do some research before the event. Appearing informed about the organisation and industry that is of interest to you demonstrates a genuine motivation and creates a great impression. Doing research beforehand and targeting relevant organisations also ensures that the student gets the most out of the event, making the best use of their valuable time.”
Kim McAllister, Almac Group, Talent Acquisition Manager
Have questions ready
“I notice students who have already done a bit of research and know what they are looking for. Have specific questions about the company and the role itself then I’ll definitely remember you.”
Elisa Herbig. Talent Acquisition Specialist at AquaQ Analytics
Come prepared
“Being prepared if you are going to speak to a recruiter. If you are going to a stand whether it’s in person or virtual maybe having researched that organisation a bit beforehand and having a few questions in mind that you might like to ask them. It does really stand out if someone has looked into your organisation beforehand and if they have shown kind of a real interest in it. Often times as well, the people who are going to be at these recruitment fairs are going to be working for the HR department or the recruitment team for the organisations that they are placed with. Sometimes they have graduates who have been hired there as part of the recruitment team, so it is really good and it does stand out if people have done their research beforehand.”
Adrian McCarthy, Manager, For Purpose
Be willing to learn
“By asking questions about the company and the careers available. Being open to discuss entry level careers and willing to hear the success stories of people who perhaps started off in summer/temporary roles and are now directors.”
Joelene Ridgill, Purchasing Manager at Seacoya Group Ltd
Read around your industry
“An obvious passion for software engineering goes a long way. If you’ve been coding in your spare time, tell us about it. If you’ve read anything interesting about the software engineering industry as a whole, tell us about that too. If you’ve been to any Liberty IT tech talks or events, let us know what you thought of them.”
Birgitta Swanberg, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist, Liberty IT
Tailor your CV to the role you want
“Come to the recruitment fair prepared, with an up-to-date CV with you, ensure you are presenting the best version of yourself. Dress for the role that you want; display good communication skills. Speak confidently and articulate your skills and experience clearly. Don’t be afraid to approach us and ask any questions.”
Chloe Brown, Corporate Recruiter, MRP
Use the opportunity to find out about the company
“Show interest in the company. Ask questions that are more specific. We bring along colleagues of different levels to have a chat and give you the opportunity to find out more.”
Jared Kearney, Senior Campus Recruiter, Citi UK and Citi Ireland
Have you registered for the fair yet? If not, you can do so here: