Mastering Employability Fair Preparation for Success

How to prepare for Placement & Employability Fair Thursday 17 February Elm House Atrium 16.00 18.00

Prior to the event Visit employers' websites, social media channels Find out what they are doing to attract student and graduate recruits, and what they want from applicants. What key skills are they asking for? How could you show these when talking to them or providing a CV? What could connect you and your skills with them?

Further Research Find out what employees think about working for the organisation. Glassdoor Company reviews written by employees. The Job Crowd 100s of employers reviewed by employees. Rate my Placement Reviews of undergraduate placements and internships. The Student Room Profiles of UK employers and professional qualification providers. Target jobs Inside Buzz Recent graduate employees give their view on employer culture, training, salary and benefits, and their overall satisfaction.

Approaching employers Having researched the companies and created a shortlist, think of some questions for each one Don t ask questions that you could have found out from the published information Consider each employer in turn tailor the questions but be ready to respond to anything they ask you What do you want to find out from them? Show enthusiasm when asking questions Listen to what they are telling you and ask any questions you think of in return If you speak to a recent graduate, you can ask them What the application process was like? What they enjoy about working there? What are their future goals?

Elevator pitch technique Use the elevator pitch technique as a way of focusing what you can say about yourself This brief introduction about your knowledge, skills and abilities can help structure your introduction when companies ask you questions With the technique you have around 60 seconds to get across: your name anything that is special and different about you what you offer and the benefits (in a couple of sentences) what you are looking for (in a couple of sentences) your sign off. However always respond to questions in ways that seem natural and flowing.

On the day Demonstrate your professional behaviour: Dress the part There is no formal dress code, however dressing appropriately gives the right impression. It can also boost confidence. Body Language Present yourself as a confident and competent job seeker. Be Ready to put yourself out there It is easier to take a step back if chatting in a group but will the employer/recruiter remember you?

On the day End on a positive note Thank the person for their time and the information they have given Let them know what you found interesting and valuable. Actively say how you d like to follow up the conversation, if appropriate Can you send them a CV or connect on LinkedIn? Reaffirm that you will be in touch. Reflect afterwards on how you can use the advice to move forward in your job search/career planning.

Reflect after the event Are there specific people to contact? Are there LinkedIn connections to follow up? CVs/application forms to submit? Do this within a few days or as guided by the employer Reflect on what you learned from talking to professionals in your sector about their experience. What do you know now that you did not know before? How is this useful to your career plans?

Key areas to think about What do I want to get from the event? What do I need do to do to register? What am I going to ask? Afterwards what have I learned and what can I take forward? What do I need to do next?

Remember The Employability and Placement Team are here to support you - prior to, during and following the event. Come and see us or make an appointment

How to contact us Shared inbox: placements.business@brighton.ac.uk Leigh Rush l.rush@brighton.ac.uk Hazel Brown h.f.brown@brighton.ac.uk Virginia Goodwill v.goodwill@brighton.ac.uk Room G3, Elm House, Moulsecoomb Campus