Recruitment events can help you to find opportunities that you never knew existed. This type of event can open your eyes to new companies, help you to expand your horizons and also give you incredible networking practice.
The recruitment event format can be very confusing. While it is a good opportunity to get your name out there and do some networking, it’s not really the time or place to be trying to secure a job offer. Instead, treat it like a fact finding task where you can discover more about the companies and find out what it is really like working for them.
Many companies will invite existing employees along to get to know potential candidates. These people might not be involved in the hiring decisions. Instead, they will help you to gain a better understanding of what the job and company is like. Read on to discover our 6 top tips for preparing for a recruitment event.
Remember it isn’t an interview
While you may go away from a recruitment event feeling good about a few companies it’s not really an interview. If you go into a recruitment event thinking it’s the equivalent of speed dating for job interviews then you might miss out on the real opportunities.
Treat a recruitment event as an opportunity to learn more about different companies and discover what opportunities they have available. Once you get home and have had time to review your options, then you can start thinking about interviews.
Do your research
At the very least, you should find out a little bit about each of the companies that will have a presence at the event. You can then focus your attention and decide how best to spend your time. Once you arrive at the event, you may find that a company you had previously ruled out has a very compelling presence. Don’t let your research prevent you from following your instincts once you arrive.
Dress for success
You will likely be on your feet all day, so make sure you are wearing comfortable and professional footwear. Smart casual is the best approach as you don’t want to be overdressed and uncomfortable. If the recruitment event is going to take place in a large building, it could get quite cold. Likewise, if the event will be held in the middle of summer, you want to make sure you aren’t left dripping in sweat all day.
Print copies of your CV
The primary goal of a recruitment event is to find out more about which companies are hiring and to see if you would be a good fit. While some recruitment events welcome candidates to bring their CV along, others will simply ask you to sign up to a newsletter if you are interested in learning more.
Before you spend a small fortune on printing your CV on fancy paper, check the event marketing materials to find out if CVs are expected or welcomed. You can save yourself a lot of time and worry by asking ahead of time.
Remember that if you do bring copies of your CV, it needs to be as general as possible. While you might adjust your CV to different roles, at a recruitment event it needs to fulfil a range of purposes.
Practice your networking
Recruitment events can be nerve-wracking for those who are shy or not very outgoing. But the good news is that this is an ideal opportunity to practice your networking. Everyone will be very approachable, so you can get used to striking up conversations with strangers.
Recruitment events also offer a great opportunity to learn how to ask the right questions and really listen to the answers.Tip: Lanyards are a good way of networking your business. Listening and comprehension skills are essential for good interview performance so take the opportunity to practice.
Remember to follow up
When you get home, don’t expect companies to be knocking down your door to hire you. Every company in attendance will have spoken to a lot of people that day, and they might struggle to remember each and every one of them. If you want to make an impression, make sure you follow up with the people you have spoken to.
This might mean connecting on LinkedIn or sending them a quick email to let them know you are interested in learning about the next steps. This will show that you are interested and proactive and could set you apart from the other people they have spoken to that day. Even if you have signed up to a recruitment mailing list, don’t wait for them to contact you. Show that you are active and engaged in your job search to make the best possible impression.
This advice above is relevant to any recruitment event, but if you’re looking for more advice specific to events and jobs in events, make sure you check out Live Recruitment. We are actively looking for candidates in London, Manchester and Leeds to place in exciting and engaging roles. Get in touch today!