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Find out more about Graduate Workshops

The Northern Ireland Graduate Recruitment Fair has been organised jointly by Careers, Employability and Skills at Queen’s University Belfast and Career Development Centre at University of Ulster.

It will provide final year students and recent graduates with immediate access to employers, representatives from postgraduate schools and training organisations.

TOP TIPS FOR MAKING THE MOST OF THE FAIR

Check the list of particants
For details of exhibitors and opportunities on offer see
NI Graduate Recruitment Fair Programme 2009

Stand out from the crowd
Each of you has the same aim: to make a good connections and the right impression. You need to ‘sell’ yourself.

Look professional
Dress smartly as for a formal interview.

Be prepared
A CV is the equivalent of your marketing brochure so bring some copies with you so that you can leave them with employers who interest you. Make sure you have brought a black pen, you may be asked to fill out an application form there and then. It helps to know what questions you want to ask. Write them down and take them with you as an aide memoir.

Research
Find out as much as you can about the organisations attending before you approach them. Show that you have taken the time to do this research when you approach the stands.

Target
Make full use of your time. Decide which stands you want to visit and make these your priority but don’t neglect the others as they may have opportunities that interest you too.

Probe
Discover what they want. Ask open-ended questions about the area in which they are recruiting and any specialist opportunities they may offer and use the opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge of the organisation. Questions that begin ‘what, why, when, where, who and how’ actively encourage people to engage in conversation and provide information.

Match
Treat this contact as a mini interview. Show how your attributes and experience match up to their wish list for candidates. Always back up your claims with evidence of your talents and achievements.

Close the sale
If you are interested in what’s on offer ask about the next stage of the selection process and how to apply. Be positive and forthright.  You may well be invited to fill out an application form immediately.

Take it seriously
The Fair can be the first step to a job. Don’t treat it as just a day out. Do your homework and come determined to find out all you can and make a positive impression.

WHEN YOU ARRIVE

You must register at the reception desk at the main entrance of the Whitla Hall.

• You will be given the official programme and a floor plan for the Fair, as well as other important recruitment literature
• Please read the programme carefully to locate organisations you are interested in
• Check the notice boards in the foyer for last minute amendments to the programme
• CV Clinics will also be available in the Gallery Area
• Decide which organisations you would like to speak to and approach their stand.
• Some organisations may ask you to complete their own application form.
• Careers staff will be available to deal with any enquiries.

Students with a disability
If you require assistance to attend the Fair please contact Elaine at Queen’s Careers, Employability and Skills on 028 9097 2843 or e.mcmahon@qub.ac.uk  at least one prior to the event to ensure we can facilitate your request.