It was great to see so many of you at our recent Employer Showcase, and hope you enjoyed the opportunity to network with potential employers. Our next big careers event will be the University of Bristol Law Fair.

Join us at the Wills Memorial Building on Thursday 2 November from 12:30 pm until 3 pm to engage with 41 law firms seeking Bristol graduates. The event even includes employer-led talks from leading firms, so come along to find out exactly what top law firms are looking for.

Attending the fair is only the first step…

It’s essential to keep things moving after the fair and stay in touch with your contacts. Take a look at these quick tips in order to maximise your pre-fair and post-fair experience:

To research or not to research?

Do you have a pretty good idea of the firms you might like to work for? If so, familiarise yourself with which firms will be attending, take a look at their websites, and check out their profiles on websites such as A to Z Firm List – Chambers Student Guide.

It can get busy so focusing your attention on the firms you know you are interested in is a good call.

Top tip: Use CareerFairPlus on your phone, tablet or laptop/PC to access an interactive floorplan for both days, as well as the full list of employers, tips and resources so that you can research in advance of attending.

What questions should I ask?

The questions you want to know the answer to! Take a look at the information firms bring with them, take a look at their websites, what haven’t they told you that you would like to know?

Quite often firms will bring trainees with them, they will remember what it’s like to be in your shoes and be keen to share their experience of recruitment processes, of what work as a trainee in a particular firm is like and may have some tips for you if you are interested in working for their firm.

Top tip: watch our ‘Good questions to ask employers at careers fairs’ reel on Instagram for some inspiration.

How will I remember everything I find out?

We would recommend having a way of making notes on the day. You might want to jot down the name of the person you spoke to, maybe connecting with them after the event on LinkedIn. If you apply to a firm that you made contact with at the fair, try to note down some of what made you decide to apply to the firm based on the conversation you had.

The fair can be very busy, you may speak to lots of people, and it helps to jot down your impressions, thoughts and contacts to refer to when you are writing your applications.

If you find approaching organisations a little nerve-wracking what could you do?

You are not alone! Try to remember that the firms have come specifically to talk to you.

They know it can be a nerve-wracking time for many students and they want to make it as easy as they can for you. Perhaps you could have a few stock questions ready to get the conversation started.

How about:

• what do you like about working for…?
• how did you decide to apply to..?
• what tips do you have for writing an application which will go down well at..?
• Most of all, think about what you want to know and ask. Firms want to engage and will welcome your questions.

Revamp your LinkedIn profile

LinkedIn is a fantastic way to connect with employers, but before you do so, having a professional and updated profile is key. Make sure your experience and accomplishments are up to date, highlight your key skills and add your relevant certifications.
Once you’re proud of your profile, send some inquiries to your new connections to see if they’re hiring for internship positions or have any career advice for you more generally.

Top tip: A great headshot makes all the difference too. There will be a professional photographer at the Law fair taking free LinkedIn headshots, so make sure to register to not miss out.

Perfect your CV

A good LinkedIn profile and CV go hand in hand. A good tip for CVs and cover letters is to customise and personalise them to the law firm you’re applying to. If you find out about specific training contracts or internship openings during the Law Fair, tailor your application letters to align with those opportunities. It might even be a good idea to mention your interaction at the fair in your cover letter.

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Follow up

Don’t be afraid to stay in touch with an email or message – after all, the connections you make at the fair could be invaluable for your future career.