With the Bucks Skills Show taking place next week I am offering my top tips for getting the most out of the experience.
Jobs Fairs of any kind can be tricky for people for many different reasons. Let’s start with the environment.
Working the room
To fit in all the great employers and providers in one space events are often held in large spaces, and noise levels may be high. Can you prepare for this?
- There may be a map online of the layout, so you can prepare your route in advance.
- An Exhibitors List is a great way to identify your priorities.
- Gamifying the situation might help you sustain focus If the environment feels overwhelming. How many stands can you visit? Can you ask a question at each stand?
Asking the right questions
Opening a conversation with strangers can feel difficult. Again preparation is invaluable.
What question introduces your situation?
- As a career changer are there opportunities for retraining in your company?
- What 3 skills are your company particularly looking for?
- How can I best present my skills to you on my CV?
Following up
You have been to the fair but so what? Exhibitors may offer you a business card with contact details. QR codes are also common.
- Make sure you have a pocket or bag for cards, and that your phone is charged.
- If you would like to follow up with a named person to support you with your application make sure you note how to do this – many large firms will have a named person or team to help people apply successfully.
Stay curious! The fair might be a chance to explore an area of work that you have never considered before. The world of work is changing rapidly, with plenty of opportunities you may not be aware of. Staff at the event are there to offer advice and support, so have a chat.
The Bucks Skills Show is open to the general public on Wednesday 5th March 2025, 4-8pm at Stoke Mandeville Stadium.
Visit Bucks Skills Show 2025 | News | Buckinghamshire Skills Hub to find out more and book your place.
Contact me on kath@careerswithintent.com or check out www.careerswithintent.com
Kath is a Registered Career Development Practitioner with the Career Development Institute. She is also a strengths-based practitioner and is currently undertaking study, through the Positive Psychology Guild, into how to develop more hope amongst young neurodivergent career planners and job seekers.