How to make the most of a career event
Attending a career event can be an overwhelming experience. With so many companies, workshops, and presentations to choose from, it’s easy to feel like you have to be everywhere at the same time! But that’s impossible. Instead, you can take a breath and set more realistic goals. This will help manage your expectations and will end up making your time more effective while bringing down your anxiety levels.
So, how do you ensure you make the most of it? Follow these steps to prepare and maximise your opportunities!
Preparing for the event
1. Company Market Prep
- Do your research: Browse through the companies that will be attending the event and identify the ones you definitely want to talk to. Research them thoroughly and prepare specific questions for each. This shows your genuine interest and helps you stand out.
- Practice your personal pitch: Be ready to present yourself in three concise lines. Your pitch should highlight your skills, experience, and what you’re looking for in a job.
2. Workshop/Presentation Prep
- Read up on sessions: Before the event, review the list of workshops and presentations. Decide which ones you want to attend based on your career interests and goals.
- Choose wisely: Prioritise the sessions that will provide the most value to your career aspirations. Also look at who will be speaking during the session – you might get an opportunity to introduce yourself to them after they’re done presenting.
3. Event Prep
- Familiarise yourself with the programme: Know the event schedule and create a personal itinerary. This will help you stay organised and ensure you don't miss out on key activities.
- Plan your route to the event: Understand how to get to the event location and plan to arrive on time. Dutch events are known for their punctuality, so it's important to be prompt. If the venue is large, give yourself time extra time to move from one room to the next.
What to do at the event
- Add people on LinkedIn: Add all company representatives you talk to on LinkedIn with a personal message. This helps build your professional network and keeps you on their radar.
- Take notes: Write down important insights and information you gather. This will be invaluable later allowing you to send more personalised applications and you’ll be armed with this extra knowledge when you’ll be invited for an interview
- Utilise career services: If the event offers services like CV or cover letter reviews, book these as soon as possible. Spots are often limited and personalised feedback can greatly improve your job application materials.
What not to do at the event
- Avoid blanket CV distribution: Don’t give your CV to every company. Tailor your CV toeach company you’re genuinely interested in. A personal touch is more likely to lead to follow-ups.
- Don’t stay passive: Engage actively with both peers and company representatives. Ask questions during sessions and make the most of the networking opportunities.
- Don’t worry about missing out: It’s impossible to attend every session. Focus on your priorities and make a note of companies or topics you miss so you can follow up online later.
Final tip:
network broadly
Connect not only with companies but also with your peers. Building a strong professional network now can help you in the future, even for jobs you might look for in a couple of years. The more people you know in your industry, the better your chances of finding the right opportunities.
Good luck at your next career event! Remember, preparation and active engagement are key to making the most of these opportunities.
