Sell Yourself at the Career Fair

“You’re selling yourself to us, we are not selling ourselves to you. We want to know who you are, what you can do and what experience you have,” says Natalie Robinson, events manager for Vodafone Events Centre.

Natalie was part of a panel, along with Sky City Talent Partnerships Manager Susan Chu and IHG Human Resources Manager Lauren Heys at last week’s Match Ready event to help prepare students for the Hospitality, Tourism, Events and Culinary Arts career fair.

So how do you sell yourself without sounding like a second hand car salesperson, you may ask?

“Know who we are. Research the organisations coming to the fair and decide who you want to approach and have questions prepared for us,” says Susan, “I find it offensive when I’m asked what Sky City is. I’d expect job seekers to know that.”

Have your CV ready

Bring your CV, says Natalie.
“That shows me that you’re organised and prepared and indicates that you’re going to be someone who is prepared to work and wants to get a job.”
Offer it after you’ve had a chat, she suggests.
“Don’t wait for us to ask for it.  We’re both ‘shopping’ and offering your CV tells me that you like what you’re hearing about our organisation.”
It is also a much more professional way to provide contact details than scrawling your email on a torn off piece of paper, says Lauren.
“Just don’t give me the same CV you are giving Vodafone. As a hotel group, we are looking for something different from Vodafone. Make it specific to us.”

Introverts are welcome

Introverts should fake it until they make it, advises Susan.
Natalie agreed, revealing she is an introvert despite her bouncy demeanour.
“Right now I’m literally faking it. I’m sitting here sh####ing myself but I’m passionate about events and love what I do. You can achieve if you overcome your self doubt.”
We need introverts, adds Lauren. “Do come and introduce yourself. All you need to do is hold a conversation and have something to say.”
Just don’t over prepare, she adds.
“Be yourself, we can tell them when something is scripted.

Be realistic

Don't approach employers expecting to be offered a management job, say the panellists. Degrees do make a difference, but you still have to prove yourself.
"You won't go into management when you first graduate even if you have a management degree. It just doesn't work like that," explains Susan.

"Everything started from that first job and I gained a really wide perspective of the business through that operational experience and it still helps me a lot now," says Lauren.

Appearances matter

It is better to be overdressed than under dressed, according to the panel.
“In a way, the fair can be a shortcut to the recruitment process, we’re doing a minor interview right then and there, so think about what you’re wearing and if you wouldn’t wear it to an interview, then change,” says Lauren.

Appearance online matters as well

While you are bustling around the career fair, your online presence is the last thing you’re probably thinking about but it can come back to bite you, if you are not careful.
Natalie will Facebook stalk applicants or people that interest her at events and says people getting drunk and posting about it to the world, don’t do themselves any favours when it comes to recruitment.  
“Get smart about your social media and privacy settings etc.”
Susan agrees, adding that it isn’t only social media that can creates a bad impression of you.
“A silly answerphone message can put me in a bad mood, as do silly email addresses. Be professional.”.

ROUND UP OF TIPS 

• Bring your CV
• Dress smart. Don’t look like you’ve just got out of bed. Track pants and ugg boots are a no-no
• Approach employers - don't wait for them to approach you; they may not.
• Be early. Be the first to turn up and you’re more likely to be remembered.