NTU Career Tracks 2025

Recruitment Events Do’s and Don’ts

Recruitment events such as career fairs, recruitment talks and networking sessions provide opportunities to connect you with prospective employers. Whether you are attending a recruitment event in person or virtually, it is important to make a strong impression to stand out in the selection process. The same do’s and don’ts apply to both physical and virtual interactions with potential employers.

NAVIGATING JOB FAIRS AND NETWORKING SESSIONS

DECIDE WHO TO ENGAGE WITH

Before the event — whether it is a career fair, company talk or networking session — find out which companies will be attending and identify those that you want to engage with. Present yourself professionally in all interactions.

Prepare meaningful questions that show your interest in the company’s culture, career progression, and the skills and competencies required for the position that you are interested in. Make sure to express curiosity about their expectations, industry trends, and future opportunities.

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 your resume for specific applications.

INTERACT WITH COMPANY REPRESENTATIVES

In-person recruitment events give you the opportunity to engage directly with company representatives, while virtual events often include chat functions or video calls. Be prepared to introduce yourself confidently and communicate your career goals. Whether it is a face-to-face conversation or an online interaction, leave a lasting impression by showcasing how your skills align with the company’s needs. Remember to thank the company representatives and ask about follow-up steps at the end of each interaction.

ASK INSIGHTFUL QUESTIONS

Prepare a list of questions for employers that you want to interact with. Ask about the skills and competencies that employers value for the roles you are targeting, as well as the challenges and opportunities associated with the role or the industry. You can also ask them about potential career paths, training opportunities and the hiring process.

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.

BE PROFESSIONAL

Professionalism is key. Dress appropriately — business attire for in-person events and neat, professional outfits for virtual interactions. For online events, ensure you are in a quiet environment to avoid distractions during video or audio calls. Always maintain a positive, professional tone when communicating with recruiters and company representatives.

For virtual career fairs, only apply for the roles that you are really interested in. Do not click away and apply randomly. Do not be tardy in sending in your applications. It is not wise to wait till the end of the virtual fair to begin working on your applications. Be ready for digital 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, whether through email or professional networking platforms such as LinkedIn. Express your gratitude and maintain communication to keep the relationship alive. Building long-lasting professional connections is key to opening up new career opportunities.

DO'S AND DON'TS

DON'T!
  • Don’t keep to yourself. Use the opportunity to learn more about the organisations.
  • 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 company too quickly. Most organisations 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.

DO!
  • Know your career interests before attending any recruitment event.
  • Research the participating organisations and find out what positions are being offered.
  • Prepare and rehearse answers to common interview questions.
  • Research industry trends so that you can ask meaningful questions.
  • Strategise and plan your route with a list of “must-visit” and “hope to visit” organisations.
  • Prepare an engaging elevator pitch to introduce yourself. Be ready to tweak it so that it is relevant to each organisation.
  • 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.
  • Dress professionally and wear comfortable shoes.
  • Bring copies of your resume to hand out to recruiters.

Attend CAO’s workshop to learn more about leveling up your networking skills