5 tips for your best Careers Day

Careers Day is your chance to explore career options, discover new industries and build connections with employers to shape your future. 

Being ready ahead of time will help you make the most of what the fair has to offer. A little preparation can make a big difference in how confident you feel attending, from setting clear goals and researching attending organizations to updating your resume and practicing your pitch. 

Here are my top 5 recommendations to set yourself up for success at Careers Day:  

Set your intention.

Knowing what you want to get out of the event will help you make the most of your time there. Careers Day offers something valuable no matter where you are in your studies or your career path, so take a moment beforehand to define your goals. 

You might want to connect with several employers, explore how your skills align with different industries or find out which organizations are actively hiring U of A students and alumni. Clear intentions will guide your conversations and give you a sense of direction.

Research who’s attending.

Take a look at the list of employers attending Careers Day. Researching these organizations will help you prioritize who you want to connect with at the fair. Keep an open mind and look at a variety of organizations during your research – employers often recruit from a variety of programs!

Prepare thoughtful questions.

It’s a good idea to come up with questions that spark conversation rather than those that can be answered with a simple yes or no. 

You might ask: What qualities or skills help someone succeed in this role or organization? Are there any career development opportunities for students within this organization? What do you like about working for this organization?

This gives you insight into what they look for in a successful candidate, how they describe their workplace culture and into their recruitment and hiring processes. 

Update your resume and LinkedIn profile.

Updating your resume is a good exercise in reflecting on your experiences, skills and interests before the fair. This way, your experience is fresh in your mind to share with employers. 

If you want some quick tips to improve your resume, bring a copy to the fair and get a free rapid resume review from one of our career advisors. 

LinkedIn is a great way to stay connected with recruiters and employers after the fair, so keep your profile current. Want a free professional headshot for your profile? Visit the Skip the Selfie booth while you’re at the fair! 

Prepare a quick pitch. 

Approaching employers during Careers Day can feel intimidating, but having a short, clear introduction ready can make it much easier. Keep it concise – include your name, year and area of study and a brief summary of the skills and experiences most relevant to the employer. Practicing beforehand will help you feel confident and prepared.

Still not feeling prepared? 

Check out this guide or attend a free Making Careers Day Work for You presentation.

For more in-depth resume tips, career-advising, networking advice or a resume review, visit us at the Career Centre.