Networking Tips for Students for Efficient Networking at Employer Fairs

Networking opportunities are readily available for undergraduates and graduates at employer fairs and networking events run by employers for potential employees. So it is important to take advantage of them.

However, to do this well it is important to prepare for and approach networking situations in an organised manner in order to make them as productive and useful as possible.

01. Preparation

Start with your preparation. Preparing for an employer fair can be straightforward but it is important to make it as specific as possible. Look at the attendee list and identify the companies that you want to talk to.

When preparing to network with particular target companies start by taking a look at their website and the information available for the graduate scheme that you are interested in.

Doing this means that when you ask questions to representatives, you can tailor them to the company in order to find out niche or specific information that isn’t available online. Don’t waste time asking questions that you can find the answer to on their website (which is why it is important to review it).

By preparing in this way you can gain more unique information from representatives from the company, which will show a deeper interest in and understanding of the company in applications and interviews.

02. Approach

You must be bold, confident and unafraid to approach people. If you are approaching representatives at an employer fair, walk over to them confidently and introduce yourself. Don’t interrupt a conversation, wait until someone is free to talk to you so that you can make the most of your conversation (and your fellow student can make the most of theirs).

If there are also speaker presentations and/or panel sessions make sure that you also take some time to watch these and approach the speakers afterwards should there be anything you want to follow up on.

03. Ask Questions

Ask a lot of questions. These should be a mix of prepared questions based on your research and what you want to find out as well as some conversational questions that follow on from the any presentations and/or the conversation that you are having. Put some thought into your questions and make sure you walk away with as much information as possible.

04. Take Notes and Pick up any literature.

Don’t be afraid to take notes, but don’t let the notetaking take over and distract you from having a meaningful conversation. Take a break between each person you speak to and take notes in between your conversations. Also take the time to pick up any marketing materials/literature about the companies that you are interested to look at at leisure after the event as this is likely to have key information that you will need to know.

05. Follow-up

As always, follow up. Attendees are often happy to continue answering questions and furthering discussions after an event. Sending them a message on LinkedIn or an email via the company’s website is a good way to develop solid contacts.

It is also useful for gaining further details about anything that they may have mentioned, or for simply asking additional questions. Moreover, you will have contacts from which to seek further advice should you advance through the application stages.