Job and Apprenticeships Fairs are invaluable opportunities for job seekers and aspiring Apprentices to connect with potential employers.
The Liverpool City Region, with its vibrant economy, offers a wealth of opportunities for those looking to kickstart their career.
This article will give you tips on how to make the most of our Jobs & Apprenticeship Fairs, which run monthly in different locations across the Liverpool City Region.
Preparation is the key to success
Before you even set foot in the event, it’s crucial to be well-prepared.
Research the companies that will be present (you can find them here: https://www.sthelenschamber.com/startingpoint/jobs-fair-st-helens-chamber/) understand their industries, and have a clear idea of what positions they are recruiting for – this can usually be found on their website.
This means you can make the most of the event and prioritise speaking to employers who are actively hiring for the vacancies you want. Looking closely at the vacancies available means you can also tailor your CV and cover letter to suit the roles you’re interested in, highlighting relevant skills and experiences.
Dress for Success
First impressions really do matter. Dress professionally, reflecting the industry you’re interested in.
All of our events are informal, however, dressing smartly shows potential employers that you take the opportunity seriously. You don’t have to spend lots of money on dressing professionally, just wear clean and smart clothing that you feel confident and comfortable in.
Bring Multiple Copies of Your CV
You’ll be meeting various employers, so make sure you have enough copies of your CV to distribute. Some employers may ask you to apply online for roles, but having your CV to hand means you can leave this with them, or act as a reminder of your key skills and experiences when having conversations.
Coming prepared to these events shows that you’re organised and ready to seize any opportunity that comes your way.
Create a 30-Second Elevator Pitch
Prepare a short introduction about yourself that highlights your skills, experiences, and what you’re looking for.
This pitch should give employers a snapshot of who you are and why you’d be an asset to their team, and will help you to break the ice when approaching employers at the event.
Network Actively
Don’t just collect brochures and freebies. Discuss opportunities with company representatives. Ask questions about the roles, the company culture, and what they’re looking for in a candidate to see if you’d be a good fit for each other.
Show genuine interest, and be sure to take notes for later reference and follow up with any contacts you make to keep you front of mind.
Be Open-Minded when talking to companies
While you may have a dream job or industry in mind, be open to exploring other options. The Jobs & Apprenticeships Fairs might introduce you to opportunities you hadn’t considered before.
Although you can prioritise certain companies and industries, don’t limit yourself to just talking to these employers – you never know what opportunities you might find in an industry you’d never considered.
Also, if you’ve not got experience in an industry you might think you don’t have a chance at gaining a role with certain employers. This isn’t necessarily the case, and you may have more transferrable skills than you think – speak to the St Helens Chamber team who can help you to discover these.
Attend Workshops and Seminars
At our Jobs & Apprenticeships Fairs, you can sign up for a range of short training courses delivered regularly. These courses give you the chance to add valuable skills to your CV, skills that employers are actively seeking.
If you live in the Liverpool City Region and are aged 19+, these courses are free of charge and many come with nationally recognised qualifications. At every event the National Careers Service team at St Helens Chamber have a few stands dedicated to helping you access all the skills and training you need – along with providing careers advice and support with CV writing and interview skills.
Book your place today!
We know it can be a daunting thought to head to a Jobs & Apprenticeships Fair, but the employers and Chamber staff will all make sure you are comfortable and get the most from the event.
Networking in this way and taking the time to meet employers face to face will help you stand out from the crowd and show that you are ready to work.
Remember, it’s not just about finding a job; it’s about finding the right fit for your skills and aspirations. Good luck!
See all upcoming Job & Apprenticeship Fair dates: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/jobs-apprenticeships-fairs-2023-1689149?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=creatorshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=odclsxcollection&utm-source=cp&aff=escb
