Career Expos - how to get the most out of it

The Guru thinks you should prepare to get the most of a career expo. And at least one free pen.

The Employment and Vacation Expo is coming up on the 11th August, and Career Expos are a great chance to get that all-important information and make an impression - but you need to be prepared.

Here are some basic Q and As:

1. What is a Career Expo?
   A Career Expo is an event used by employers to promote their organisation and employment opportunities. It is an exellent source to use as part of your job search and career planning
   
   
2. What should I do before the expo so I have a plan?
   
   a. Research
   Go through the list of employer profiles provided on the Expo webpage and determine which companies you have an interest in. Learn about them. Visit their websites and findo ut information about their latest news and the positions they are offering.
   
   b. Prepare
   Know what you want to get out of the expo. Is it to gather market knowledge, or to practice people skills, or to make contact for graduate or vacation work? Also;
   
   *Prepare an introduction for when you approach the booth, such as your name, area of study and why you came to their booth
   
   *Prepare particular questions for the companies you are going to approach
   
   *Clean up your resume. Make it clear, concise and digestible. If you need help with this, or do not have a resume, contact the Careers Service to make an appointment. This can be done via CareerHub or e-mail studentemployment@newcastle.edu.au.
   
   
3. What could I ask potential employers?
   
   I noticed on your website...would a graduate have the opportunity to work on these kidns of projects
   
   What is the role of a graduate on commencement?
   
   What are the possible career paths
   
   What skills do you find most marketable in your industry today?
   
   What skills do you project being necessary in tomorrow's job market?
   
   How can I improve my chances of employment in the field?
   
   
4. Is there a certain way to approach potential employers at the expo?
   
   *Dress the part - dress professionally, feel comfortable with the expo atmosphere and approach the recruiters when you feel ready
   
   *Communication -
   -Take the initiative to begin a conversation
   -Don't waste their time and yours, be prepared with questions
   -Be courteous
   -Listen for clues
   -Make noted while the conversations is still fresh in your mind
   
   
5. Start networking
   Leave your resume and business card, if you have one
   
   
6. What happens afterwards?
   Follow up. Re-contact anyone you spoke with the expo via phone, email or mail; thank them for their time and ask for additional advice they can give you
   Broaden your research to include recruiters who were not at the expo.
   Reflect on the feedback given to you, then work on any skills or knowledge gaps that you might have identified.

This is Kristy. She has done two work placements as a part of her degree. See what she thinks:


"As a part of my third year in a Bachelor of Communications, I had to gain two work experience placements: one in an event assistant role, and the other as a public relations practitioner.
After speaking to several other students about their experiences in finding work experiences, and fixing up my resume, I decided to contact the UoN Services Marketing office to help organise their annual Cultural Awakenings Festival. I approached their office in person, and with an enthusiastic and keen attitude I landed the spot! It was one of the easier work placements I have gained, and it was so successful I offered to help coordinate the festival the following year!

My other work experience needed to be in a PR pffice. I began contacting large Public Relations firms via email and phone. After a bit of trouble getting a 'yes', I had a family friend who had a contact within the NSW Fire Brigade Media Department. It was a long process securing this placement as the department was very busy and didn't want to take on a student to worry about, but by chasing up my application and keeping on top of my enquiry, I was accepted into the department and spent 4 successful weeks working side-by-side with senior PR practitioners. I was also given a glowing reference by my workplace supervisor.

Both positions have helped in adding an edge to my resume, as all I had before was waitressing experience and now I have a more industry-relevant resume that I am proud to offer future employers."

What can you see in Kristy's story?
She:

• Spoke to one employer face-to-face
• Had an enthusiastic and keen attitude
• Made use of her personal network of family, friends and associates
• Made sure her resume was relevant and up-to-date
• Contacted other employers by phone and email and kept on top of their communication
• Last but not least....she was persistent!

Have you got a successful work placement story? Got any tips for those who are heading out to look for experience?

Please share any of your stories or comments, but be aware that the comments section is designed to either comment or engage in peer discussion. For an questions directed at the Careers Service staff, email studentemployment[at]newcastle.edu.au or book an appointment via CareerHub