The employer fair on Thursday, 13^th October 2022, 9.00-12.00 in the Adelphi Hotel in Liverpool is THE event for all Faculty of Engineering and Technology students looking for a placement or graduate role. Come along to meet and network with employers keen to recruit LJMU students. Knowing what to expect and how to engage with employers on the day will help you make the most of the fair.

Who is going to be there?
You can download a list of organisations attending the event below, but please note that this is subject to change, so check your university email for any updates before the fair. It details the type of roles employers are offering, whether they accept applications from international students, and the type of degrees they are looking for. Company representatives at the fair are usually a mix of HR/recruitment staff and engineering/built environment/IT professionals. Many employers also bring current placement students and/or graduate trainees, so take this opportunity to ask about their experiences in the role and their tips for the application process.

How can I prepare effectively?
Once you have identified organisations that interest you in particular, take a quick look at their websites and the vacancies they offer. Draw up a shortlist of employers you would like to speak to, but don’t just focus on the big names you’ve heard of – give the ones you don’t recognise a chance as well, so you don’t miss out on the interesting opportunities they offer! Allow enough time for your visit to the fair to chat to as many employers as possible.

Prepare a short ‘pitch’ to introduce yourself to employers, e.g. I am a second-year/final-year Civil Engineering student interested in exploring possible placement/graduate opportunities with your company. I have read about your infrastructure placement/graduate scheme online – could you give me some further information about that?

Also prepare some questions to ask staff at the stand. These could include:

• What skills and knowledge do you look for in candidates?
• Which of your placements/graduate schemes would be suitable for someone with my degree?
• Could you give me some tips to help me succeed in the application and recruitment process?
• What do you enjoy most about working for this organisation?
• What was the most interesting thing you have worked on? / What skills are you using the most in your role?
  
  

Should I take my CV?
Not all employers will accept CVs on the day (in particular if they use online application forms for their placements and graduate schemes), so don’t be disappointed if they say no – download the list of attendees above to check if you can submit your CV at the fair to companies that interest you. Taking a CV can help you look prepared and professional, but you may be in a better position to tailor your CV after the event based on the additional information you have found out about the organisation.

At the fair
First impressions count, so when you approach the stand, be confident and enthusiastic. Don’t just grab any freebies or brochures and run, but introduce yourself and network with the staff by asking relevant questions (see above). Write down the name and job title of the people you speak to, or ask if they have a business card, so you can refer to these conversations in a potential application. Also make a note of any application tips and other useful information the staff give you before moving on to the next stand.

After the fair
Read through your notes and brochures and create a shortlist of companies you would like to apply for. Check application timelines for closing dates to help you prioritise your applications appropriately, update your CV, and start researching how to prepare effectively for online tests, interviews and assessment centres.