Advice for Representatives

Things to consider:

A picture paints a thousand words
Use graphics or a bold display to capture people’s attention!  Make your message clear - it will help to attract your target audience to your stand.

Are you approachable?
Don't hide at the back of your stand, stand at the front! 
Make sure your representatives are enthusiastic - are they happy speaking to c1500 students on one day?

Do your representatives 'know their stuff'?
They are effectively selling your company.  Make sure that your representatives are fully briefed and have enough knowledge to answer questions on the day.  It would be helpful if they are up-to-date on the vacancies that you are recruiting for; have a thorough knowledge of your website and what it contains; understand the different types of qualifications students may hold; are aware of the process of applying for work permits; and most importantly if you are recruiting into technical/specialised roles, make sure you have a representative from this area of the business on your stand - they can provide valuable information that might not easily be found elsewhere.  If possible, provide each representative with guidance notes and answers to frequently asked questions in advance of the day.
Remember, students and graduates want to find out as much about you as you do about them - don't just refer them to the company website.

What should you expect from the fair?
A large number of students who will walk passed your stand.  Some will stop to ask questions, whilst others will browse at any literature that you have available.

A number of students will have specific questions to ask you; for those that don’t, here are some suggestions:

• Introduce yourself and your role within the company
• Ask the student what they are studying and what stage of their degree they are at
• Recommend positions that may be suitable for them
• Talk them through your academic/entry requirements and the application process

Please don't leave until the end!!
I understand that it has been a long day, that you've been on your feet talking to student after student - but please don't leave until the end.  The Fair is open from 10.30am - 4.00pm to allow as many students as possible to attend.  This might mean that students who have lectures until 2.30pm can only make the last hour - it is not their fault that they couldn't attend earlier in the day when you were feeling more refreshed, but they are here now and are just as keen to speak to you!  The student grapevine can be a very powerful tool...please don’t leave early.

Questions that students/graduates may ask you:

• What type of vacancies does X have?
  Where are they based?
  What are the entry requirements?
  What is the starting salary?
• What's it like to work for X?
• What do you look for when you are recruiting into a role?
• What kind of training and development do new recruits receive?
• What would a new recruit typically do in the first 12 months?
• Why did you join X and why do you enjoy working for them?