How to start networking at careers events

Does the thought of networking fill you with fear? Or are you an extrovert who thrives on meeting new people? It is pretty safe to say that everyone finds networking scary at times. Even those who seem outwardly confident. Inside you may be wondering how to approach a potential employer for the first time at tomorrow’s careers fair And all of this is true whether they are online, in-person or ‘hybrid’ events.

Networking at a careers fair can be valuable…and enjoyable!

These events are designed for you the student. They are put on to open minds as well as doors and could even help you to narrow down the sector you’d like to work in. By chatting to people doing the job you get to understand the reality of the day-to-day role. Talk to many people and you will see how varied the role can be.

What happens at a careers event?

The types of events can vary, from general careers fairs to sector events such as meet the professional (these have a specific focus: HR, Marketing STEM etc). such financial services or engineering. These events are organised by many including your university careers service with our links to industry as well as a society or an academic.

At a career fair download the app and visit the company stalls. Presentations feature insight talks from industry-specific role models. You can listen and ask questions. This helps to give you a clearer understanding of what it is actually like to work in your chosen field, and build your commercial awareness for interviews.

Networking can also help you to:

Just remember networking is just a conversation with a career focus. If you get stuck in what to say you can ask them to tell you how they came to work for the company, and what they enjoy about their job. Get to know the organisations and their employees on an individual level. If there is a company you are applying to then having a positive conversation with someone who works there could give a way to tailor your CV or give you insights to use at the interview.

You may meet a lot of people and some may share the same interests as you. This can be especially helpful if you want to go into an area that is quite specialised. This will help you to form and develop relationships within a particular business. So, whether you’re new to networking or just want to brush up on a few tips, here are just some of the ways you can prepare for the opportunities the new term will bring:

Number 1: be prepared

Download the Careers Fair app. Look at all the confirmed companies and think about who you want to talk to. Make a list but also do look at the other companies that you have not heard about. These may also be good for you as well as the big names. You need to tailor your CV so you don’t need to take any to the fair just find out the info that will help you and tailor them later to apply successfully!

Number 2: be as open-minded as possible to opportunities.

If you want to work in a particular industry, it may not be the first people you meet who give you the information you need. Have as many conversations as you can- they get easier honestly !! Build connections. You can find someone who can help you or who can connect you to someone else at their company. Don’t avoid companies because you presume that they won’t have roles for you, just because of their industry or sector. Most companies are open to employing graduates from a range of disciplines. 84% of Grad schemes don’t ask for a specific degree!

Number 3: don’t feel shy

These companies want to meet students which is why they are there. They are expecting to network with you. Often, they will tempt in with chocolates and pens, an after all we all need pens! Very often the stalls feature recent graduates, they will remember what it feels like to be in your shoes

Number 4: be yourself

Don’t try to be someone or something that you aren’t. Just be yourself and don’t try and fit into a personality type or what you think the company is looking for. Companies want diversity, they want authenticity. So remember your values and look for companies that match them.

Number 5 follow up on your new connections

It doesn’t finish after the event. You need to connect on LinkedIn (personalise that request!) or with an email.  Remind them of the event that you met at and then thank them for their time.

The first attempt may feel strange but the more you practice the easier it feels and the better you become. Why not look out for networking workshops or search the blog for more networking posts to help you. Feel the fear and do it anyway!

Good luck!