Prepare for the career festival

Before the event

Do your research so you are prepared when meeting employers, including:

• Find out which organisations are attending and gather information on job opportunities, news and current events and workplace values from their websites
• Try to talk to as many employers as you can. Make an effort to research and speak with at least five companies you haven't considered before
• Prepare and practise a 30-second introduction (brief details about your studies and career goals)

View upcoming events.

Seminars to help you practise networking

Attend a networking seminar to practise and learn hands-on networking techniques:

• prepare for the Careers Festival: tips on networking with employers (all campuses)
• book a seminar in Career Gateway
• read more about networking if you can’t attend.

Prepare questions that show you have done some research

Aim to find out about areas not published on the company website or brochures. Make a list of questions that cover:

• the application and selection process
• current issues in the industry
• career pathways and the work role
• graduate and intern pathways.

Your questions might include:

• what are the most important skills and qualities you look for?
• what is the organisation's recruiting timetable and next process?
• what do you look for in an application and what should I avoid?
• what does 'sound academic results' mean in your organisation?
• can you tell me examples of the things I would be doing in a typical week?
• what training or staff development do you provide?
• can you tell me something about the growth patterns and new developments of the organisation?
• may I contact you again if I have further questions?

At the festival

The event will be noisy and busy with students competing to speak with the representatives, so your preparation will be important in making sure you stand out. You will be meeting senior managers, recruiters and recent graduates from a range of organisations and industries.

• Be well presented - neat casual dress will make a good first impression.
• Introduce yourself professionally to show your strengths, skills, experience and interests.
• Be confident and maintain eye contact.
• Take a notebook and pen to make notes and write down contacts. This information will be useful in tailoring your application after the festival.
• Look for the following handouts:
  • a map of the event venue showing where to find employers and who they are targeting for employment
  • graduate Opportunities - a free booklet with graduate employers and job hunting tips
  • Unigrad - a free booklet on graduate job search and career advice.

Applying for jobs after the festival

Employers do not accept resumes at the festival as each company has a specific application process (usually online).

Use the information you gather from your research and networking at the festival to tailor your application and resume. We provide information and services to help you with your resume and other job application documents:

• how to write a resume
• get feedback on your job application.

Resources for graduate recruitment

• Find out about other career events.
• Career planning.
• Appointments for career counselling.