Career Advice

How to make the most of a job fair

Plan who to speak to, what to ask and how to follow up after meeting employers at a job fair.

Before you go, check the event programme and make a short list of employers you would like to meet. Look at the roles they advertise and decide what you want to learn from each conversation. If you are exploring different industries, choose one organisation outside your usual search and ask how new starters join.

Prepare a short introduction

Say your name, the work you are looking for and one relevant skill. For example: “I’m Sanele. I’m looking for stockroom or dispatch work. I helped keep a stock register at a community sports club, so I’m comfortable checking quantities and recording discrepancies.” Finish with a question such as “What do you look for when you hire people into entry-level warehouse roles?”

Keep useful notes

After each conversation, write down the company, the person’s name if they offered it, and the next step. Use the employer’s stated application channel. If they ask for a CV, check whether they want a printed copy, a link or an email. Keep your ID and banking details private unless you are using a legitimate, verified hiring process that requires them.

Follow through

Set aside time the next day to act on your notes. Apply for the roles you discussed and use any vacancy reference the recruiter gave you. If they invited you to follow up by email, remind them where you met and ask one clear question or attach the document they requested.