24 Apr 2025
With the Republic Graduate Careers Fair taking place on Tuesday 3rd June 2025, we are sharing our top tips to help you prepare and approach the event with confidence.
Careers fairs are a great chance to network with employers, explore opportunities, and learn how to stand out in the application process for graduate roles. We are excited to welcome a range of employers from different sectors, all looking to meet students and graduates from Republic London. To help you feel prepared and confident, we have put together some practical advice so you can make the most of this opportunity.
Prepare in advance
Preparation is key! Taking the time to prepare for a careers fair will help you present yourself professionally. Start by thinking about your career goals and what you want to achieve from attending. Consider how you want to come across, from the way you introduce yourself to the questions you ask.
If you know which organisations will be attending, take some time to research them. Understanding their roles and opportunities demonstrates genuine interest and enables you to have more meaningful conversations with employers. Being prepared will make you feel more confident and help you stand out.
Perfect your elevator pitch
Careers fairs are an opportunity for you to learn about employers and for employers to hear about you, so it’s important to have a clear answer to the “Tell me about yourself” question. This helps you convey who you are, what you are looking for, and what you can bring to a company and a role.
Your elevator pitch can include:
- What course you are studying and what year you are in
- Your previous experience, including paid work, internships, volunteering, additional courses, or extracurricular activities.
- Your strengths and skills that relate to your career or industry goals.
- Your career plans and motivations for a particular industry or role.
To perfect your elevator pitch, record yourself saying it or practise with friends and family. A well-prepared pitch demonstrates confidence and professionalism and can help you make a positive first impression.
Start conversations with confidence
Approaching employers at a careers fair can feel daunting, but having a few questions prepared can make starting a conversation much easier. Asking the right questions helps you to learn more about the company and its opportunities and shows your enthusiasm and interest.
Here are some topics you could ask about:
- The Work – What does a typical day look like? What challenges do graduates face? What are the key responsibilities associated with this role?
- The Workplace – How big are the teams? Where are the offices located?
- Skills Required – What experience or skills are needed for this role? Are there specific qualities that make a candidate stand out?
- The Application Process – What does the recruitment process involve? What qualities make a candidate stand out? What can candidates expect from the interview process?
- Training and Development – What training or development opportunities are available for graduates? Is there support for career progression within the company?
Avoid seeming overly interested in salary and benefits too early in the conversation, as this can give the impression that you are more focused on what you will get rather than what you can contribute. Instead, aim to show enthusiasm for the role, the organisation, and opportunities for growth.
Update your CV and LinkedIn
Your CV and LinkedIn profile are often the first things employers see, so ensure they are professional and up-to-date before attending the careers fair. If a recruiter requests your CV or invites you to apply via LinkedIn, you should be prepared with a well-structured application that effectively highlights your skills and experience.
Utilise your university’s career services to receive feedback and refine your CV and LinkedIn profile. They can help you highlight your strengths and achievements while ensuring you make a positive impression. If you’re exploring different industries, consider having multiple versions of your CV so you can tailor each one to the specific roles and companies you’re interested in.
Keep in Touch afterwards
Making connections at a careers fair is just the first step; therefore, it’s essential to follow up and build on them. If you have had a good conversation with an employer, ask for their name and contact details before you leave. When you get home, connect with them on LinkedIn and send a short message thanking them for their time. Mention something specific from your chat to make it more personal and reiterate your interest in the company, as well as any opportunities you discussed.
If you agree to send your CV or submit an application, do this as soon as possible. Keep track of key deadlines, such as when applications open, to avoid missing out. Following up professionally and taking action on the next steps can help you stand out and strengthen the connections you have made.
Get into the right mindset
Employers attend career fairs because they want to meet students and graduates like you! Keep an open mind when speaking to them, as there may be roles or industries you haven’t considered that could be a great fit. Approach conversations with curiosity and confidence, focusing on learning more about the opportunities available.
Try to avoid walking around in a large group, as these events offer a great opportunity to step outside your comfort zone and develop your communication and networking skills. If you feel nervous, attending with a classmate for support can help. With the right mindset, you can make the most of the event and the opportunities it offers.
Ready to network with our employers?
We are excited to welcome our employers to Republic London’s Careers Fair on Tuesday 3rd June, and we know they are looking forward to meeting you! The event will run from 11 AM to 3 PM, so make sure you’re ready and prepared to network and learn about the opportunities our employers are offering. We look forward to seeing you there!
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