Employers attend job fairs as another form of recruitment advertising – just as they would advertise online or in a newspaper. The benefit of a job fair as a job seeker is that you will rarely find as many potential employers under the one roof, saving you both time and effort. Think of the time you will save not having to travel for interviews.

If you are attending a job fair for the first time you should remember to treat it as though you are going for a job interview. We have been running job fairs for more than 15 years and we’ve picked up a few tips along the way that we think will be helpful.

Before the job fair

• Check to see if you need to register in advance for the job fair
• Check how to get to the venue, buses, trains, car parking etc.
• Check the job fair website for a list of employers and if possible their list of jobs. If there is no list of employers then contact the organiser and ask for a list
• Research the employers you want to speak with at the job fair and check out their corporate website – learn something about them as an employer, did they win an award? This is very useful to bring up in an interview as it shows that you have done your research
• Update your CV or Resume and print off 10-15 copies to bring with you
• Make copies of your professional membership, academic qualifications and if applicable, any documentation that relates to your immigration status
• If you have ever sat an English language test, such as the IELTS, bring evidence of this as you might be asked for it.

On the day of the job fair

• Dress as if you are attending a job interview, because you are. Even if you only say hello to an employer and pass them your CV or Resume, first impressions count. Most employers will make a little note on your CV or Resume to help them remember you. Make a positive first impression
• Bring 10-15 copies of your CV or Resume as well as copies of your professional and academic qualifications with you on the day
• Aim to arrive early, even be one of the first in line when the doors open
• Allow enough time to meet all the employers you are interested in speaking with and be available for interviews on the day – we recommend allowing 2-3 hours
• Strategically target the employers you are most interested in speaking with first and be flexible to doing an interview there and then if they ask
• Ask for the name and contact details for anyone you meet, especially if you do an interview with them on the day. This is will be important for following up with them after the job fair

Health Sector Jobs is the leading organiser of job fairs for the healthcare industry in the UK and Ireland. For details of our forthcoming events visit HealthSectorJobs.com.