Bristol Beacon’s Get Hired event on Wednesday 3 May brought together more than 750 students with 40 employers from a range of industries, offering immediate job vacancies, graduate roles, and internships.
But attending the fair is only the first step – what you do next can determine your success in building your network, finding a mentor, or landing your dream job.
The employers at Get Hired were impressed by the quality of students they met, and as we know Bristol students are the 4th most targeted by top graduate employers, so it’s important to capitalize on that positive impression and keep the momentum going.
Here are some tips to help you maximise your post-fair experience.
Update your online profile
Before you start connecting with people on LinkedIn, ensure that your profile is polished and up-to-date. A great headshot can make all the difference.
Avoid selfies or holiday snaps, maybe ask a friend to take a smart picture of you or, if you were lucky enough to get one, use the professional headshot you had taken at Get Hired.
Then, add your latest achievements to your profile, and prepare some friendly, professional messages to reach out to employers. Also, don’t forget to join the Careers Service LinkedIn page to keep up-to-date with the latest opportunities.
Read our blog “Top tips for getting the most out of LinkedIn” here.
Don’t be afraid to reach out
Don’t let self-doubt get in the way of sending a prompt email after meeting an employer. Timing is key, so remind yourself of your strengths and take the leap to connect with potential employers. Send that email, connect on LinkedIn, follow the organisation’s social media, and remember that taking a chance can pay off.
Write a professional follow-up email
When you do reach out to employers, make sure to be professional and proactive. Reference something specific from your conversation, ask a thoughtful question (not something that you can easily Google), or express your interest in applying for a role with them. Remember that proactive candidates who are well-matched to a company’s needs are often appreciated, so don’t hesitate to inquire about work or work experience.
Watch the recording our of “Top 3 tips for networking” session.
Prepare for the next steps
With a growing network, you’re one step closer to acing the application process.
If you didn’t have the chance to have your CV reviewed by a Careers Adviser at Get Hired, don’t worry – there is still plenty of support and resources available to you:
- Learn how to write a winning CV in three steps
- use our CV360 tool to get detailed feedback
- attend upcoming CV events on mycareer.
When it comes to interviews, we have a wealth of support and resources such as mock interviews and practice questions to help you prepare.
We’re here to help
Searching for and applying for jobs can be intimidating, so don’t forget that your Careers Service is here to support you at every stage of the journey.
Chat with us on Live Chat, visit us in person at 5 Tyndall Avenue, or explore the resources on our website.
We look forward to talking to you soon!
