Recruitment events such as career fairs, company talks and networking sessions provide valuable opportunities for you to connect with prospective employers. Making a strong and positive impression can help you stand out and leave a lasting impact on recruiters.
NAVIGATING JOB FAIRS AND NETWORKING SESSIONS
DECIDE WHO TO ENGAGE WITH
Before the event, review the list of participating companies and identify those that align with your career interests. Prepare meaningful questions that demonstrate your interest in the organisation’s work culture, career pathways and skills and competencies required for the position that you are interested in.
Research companies beforehand — check their recent news, projects and values to craft thoughtful questions that go beyond what is on their website.
PREPARE YOUR RESUME AND FILL IN YOUR PROFILE
Have an up-to-date resume on hand for in-person events and submit a comprehensive personal profile when attending virtual ones. Tailor your resume to highlight the skills and experiences that align with the roles you are applying for. For virtual fairs, uploading a general resume is useful, but be ready to customise it for specific applications.
Keep your LinkedIn profile consistent with your resume so employers can find you easily after the event.
INTERACT WITH COMPANY REPRESENTATIVES
Introduce yourself with a clear and confident elevator pitch that highlights your background, strengths and career goals. Communicate your enthusiasm and professionalism throughout the conversation. Ask about the company’s hiring needs, workplace culture and skillsets valued in your area of interest. End each interaction by thanking the representatives and asking about next steps or contact points for follow-up.
ASK INSIGHTFUL QUESTIONS
Prepare a list of questions for employers that you want to interact with.
Avoid asking basic questions that can easily be answered through research. Focus instead on industry-specific inquiries that demonstrate your understanding of the company and its market, such as:
- Skills and competencies employers look for in new hires
- Career development and growth opportunities
- Challenges and emerging trends in the industry
BE PROFESSIONAL
Professionalism is key. Dress in appropriate business attire and maintain good posture and body language. Approach each booth or conversation with a positive and respectful attitude.
Apply only for roles that genuinely interest you and be prepared to share how your background and skills align with the company’s needs.
For online events:
Remember to dress appropriately in business attire. Ensure you are in a quiet environment to avoid distractions during video calls. Always maintain a positive, professional tone when communicating with recruiters and company representatives. Turn on your camera!
Only apply for the roles that you are really interested in. Do not click away and apply randomly. Be ready for online interviews as some company representatives will be shortlisting candidates for interviews even during the virtual career fair.
STAY CONNECTED AFTER THE EVENT
Networking is an ongoing process. After the event, follow up with the connections you made. Send a brief thank-you email to express appreciation and reinforce your interest. You can also connect with recruiters or company representatives on LinkedIn to maintain communication.
Engage periodically with the company’s content or updates to stay visible and informed about new opportunities.
DO
- Know your career interests before attending any recruitment event.
- Research the participating organisations and available positions.
- Dress professionally and wear comfortable shoes.
- Strategise and plan your route with a list of “must-visit” and “hope to visit” organisations.
- Prepare an engaging elevator pitch to introduce yourself.
- Research industry trends so that you can ask insightful questions.
- Prepare a list of questions so that you can ask about the company culture, training opportunities, career paths, hiring process, and skills and competencies required for the positions that you are interested in.
- Prepare customised resumes for the companies you are interested in, and have both printed and digital copies ready to share with recruiters.
DON'T
- Don’t keep to yourself. Take the initiative to speak with company representatives.
- Don’t appear ignorant by asking basic questions you could have researched.
- Don’t focus on what the companies can offer you. Instead, ask how you can add value to the organisation.
- Don’t wear casual or uncomfortable attire and shoes.
- Don’t expect employers to shortlist you for an interview on the spot. Instead, offer your contact details for any necessary follow-up.
- Don’t dismiss any organisation too quickly. Most have a wide range of roles that could match what you are looking for.
- Don’t ask personal questions that are irrelevant to the job or industry.
- Don’t display unprofessional or negative behaviour.
Attend CAO’s workshops
to learn to level up your
networking skills.