CAREER fairs conjure up image of rows of booths, plenty of brochures and leaflets, smartly dressed people always ready for a chat, and of course, freebies.

There are generally two types of career fairs in Singapore - public career fairs that often have a large education component and career fairs held by schools for their graduating students. Examples of the latter include those that are organised by Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in partnership with JobsFactory.

This weekend, the JobsCentral Career Fair 2006 will open its doors to an estimated 18,000 job-seekers at Suntec City Convention Centre. The career fair's main focus is on jobs from premium companies with less emphasis on education.

Why go?

The profiles of visitors include current students, fresh school-leavers, job-seekers from all backgrounds and working professionals who are keen to secure a job or internship, network with industry members, consider a new career or just to keep in touch with trends in the job market. Career fairs are one of the best ways to meet potential employers who are filling positions for jobs.

Ms Alyssa Heng, a 23-year-old engineer who recently graduated from NTU, has been to three career fairs since her third year in school. "I realise that to keep ahead, I have to arm myself with knowledge of how the industry works and what they're looking for. Going to career fairs helps me prepare myself for when I graduate," says Ms Heng.

Mr Bryan Chan, a marketing executive, secured an internship through a career fair interview. "Actually, I accompanied my girlfriend, but I saw that there was an opening for a three-month internship that fitted in with my schedule, so I got interviewed and they hired me!" says the 26-year-old business graduate.

Why employers take part

Besides hiring new staff, raising a company's profile is also a motivation for taking part in a career fair.

You might not need a job right now but visiting a career fair could give you a better sense of job market trends and how to develop your career for the future.

"We recognise the constraints of smaller local enterprises in attracting manpower," explains Ms Choy Sauw Kook, deputy group director of Enterprise Capabilities, Spring Singapore. "We hope that by establishing a bigger presence at such events, potential recruits would be encouraged to find out more about the growth potential of the various sectors and the career opportunities they offer at this platform."

Hence, at the JobsCentral Career Fair 2006, there will be around 40 companies representing various industry sectors, such as retail, banking and finance, precision engineering, as well as tourism and hospitality.

With so many options available, you can make your trip to the fair a fruitful one by observing some dos and don'ts.

Dos and don'ts

Do plan in advance
Check out the list of exhibitors, take note of the companies that you are interested in, and prioritise. Research and understand the basics of their business and make a list of questions you might want to ask. Visit the booths in order of priority so that you do not miss out on the important ones.

Do prepare your resume
Go through your resume a few times to ensure it is error-free. Make enough copies to last the whole visit. If you have a business card, bring extra copies as well.

Do practise your 20-second pitch
There is no time for a heart-to-heart talk with the recruiters. Come up with a clear and concise description of yourself, your area of study and expertise, and what you want to do. Keep it creative and appealing, and practise it a few times to be familiar with what you want to say.

Do dress appropriately
Keep in mind that you may be get an interview with your prospective employer at the fair, so dress smartly to make a good impression.

Do arrive early
People get tired after standing around for an extended period of time and inevitably lose focus. If you do not want to be talking to tired recruiters, go early and make an impact before the rest of the crowd turns up.

Do get business cards
Get a card from each recruiter you talk to, and jot down notes on the back of the card. This will enable you to follow up with the recruiter.

Do follow up
Re-emphasise your strong points and desire for joining a company by sending a thank-you note or an e-mail message, expressing your wish for a second interview.

Do not blindly follow the crowd
You will see long queues at certain booths for "brand name" companies that everyone wants to join. But do not neglect lesser-known companies. Give them a chance. After all, you do not have to fight so hard for their attention and they might be able to offer you more rewarding prospects.

Do not be greedy
Being bogged down with free gifts not only makes you look greedy, it also restricts your movement, so learn when to decline politely.

Article contributed by JobsFactory, a career channel specialist that caters to students and professionals in Singapore.

JobsCentral Career Fair 2006

Date: Oct 28 and 29
Time: 10am to 8pm (Oct 28); 10am to 6pm (Oct 29)
Venue: Hall 402, Suntec Singapore
Website: jobscentral.com.sg/careerfair

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