Career fairs are very famous at UAE colleges, and almost every college hosts at least one fair annually. An international student college fair can be a new concept; you may have heard about it but didn’t get a chance to attend. Directing the world of opportunities after graduation and the change from student life to professional usually starts at internships and job fairs. It is an important moment when students can connect with potential hiring managers who assist them in passing interviews successfully and starting their careers.
Internship and job fairs offer amazing opportunities for students to connect, meet potential employers, explore various industries, gain knowledge, and learn about different recruiters and job opportunities. The tips we have mentioned below are from the experts. We asked the UAE recruiter what they look for when students come for an interview, and here is everything they told us. Let’s have a look at everything you need to know about job fairs as UAE students.
Why Are Career Fairs Important For Students in the UAE?
The UAE job market has a strong culture of networking. There is a famous saying for job searching “It’s who you know and not what you know”. According to authentic research, around 85% of people in the UAE get their jobs through referrals and connections. Therefore, as an international student, it is crucial to make good connections with potential recruiters. At college career fairs, there are around 200 different companies. So, it is a great place to network.
Career fitness begins from day 1 and not just when you are in your final semester. There is usually more pressure to look for career opportunities because you will require visa sponsorship to stay in the UAE even after graduation. Recruiters at career fairs are looking to fill positions nationally and internationally. So, if your goal is to stay in the country even after graduation, then you may look for potential leads at a career fair.
How To Prepare For A Career Fair In UAE
Career fair recruiting offers you a real job and it should be taken seriously. Here we have mentioned a few effective tips that will help you in preparing for a career fair.
- Visit Your College Career Services Center
They can give information on where and when career fairs will be held. They can also assist in resume writing and practice what you will say in front of recruiters in interviews.
- Know Your Purpose
Your interview preparation is based on the purpose you are attending a fair. If you are a first-year student, then you must just explore some future possibilities. However, a final student is looking forward to getting hired.
- In-Depth Research
It is important to conduct in-depth research about employers and jobs relevant to your field. Most colleges give a list of companies that are going to attend a job fair. Take the time to research these companies and what opportunities they have for you.
- Edit And Proofread Your Resume
A good resume helps in creating a strong impression on the recruiter. Reach out to any professional or friend to advise you on your resume and help in editing it according to your field.
- Questions To Ask Your Employer
Make a proper list of questions you want to speak to employers at the career fair. Asking questions is a great way to tell the recruiters that you are energetic and evaluate whether the company is a better option for you or not. Below are some of the best questions that you can ask them for clarification.
- What is an ideal candidate for your company?
- What skills are you searching for in the candidate that makes them stand out?
- What is your company’s hiring procedure?
- Are you looking for a part-time or full-time employee?
- What other jobs does your company have to offer?
- What are the working hours at your organization?
Tips To Ace Your Interview At UAE Job Fair
Experts have mentioned some tips that they observe when students come to job fairs. We have mentioned some of the best practices that you should follow, and that will assist students in making a positive impression on hiring managers:
- A Formal Dress
Job fair meetings are the same as your first interview. If you’re in college, searching for a job, and visiting different company booths at a fair, you must be dressed properly. Wear a dress shirt, a tie, dress pants, and a pair of good shoes. A suit is also a great option but is not essential. You just need to make an unforgettable first impression.
- Be Well-Groomed
It’s shocking to see how many students do not give enough importance to this factor. You need to be clean-shaven, have a well-groomed beard, no stubble, and properly comb your hair.
- Be Polite
This is another important factor. Staying polite costs nothing. This makes a friendly impression on recruiters, and there is no chance that you will get a job if you are rude to an employer.
- Don’t Ask About The Pay
We know that money is an important factor for a job. However, a career fair is not an ideal place to ask for it. It will give a recruiter the impression that you are more concerned about salary and not about your learning and career growth. This will also create an impression that you will leave after getting better pay. Don’t create this impression on the recruiters’ minds.
- Don’t Ask What Your Company Does?
This will make a poor impression on you if you ask the recruiter what your company does. They will think you didn’t do any research before coming to their booth. Just quickly Google before visiting them. Knowing about the company will show your interest and passion to be part of their team.
Let Us Conclude
Career events are very common at UAE colleges and universities. The best thing about them is that they are free for all students to attend. Whether you are looking for a proper job after graduation or just an internship, a job fair can assist you. It is also a great way to create a professional network in a new country; you must attend these fairs. If you have prepared yourself rightly for a career fair you can make connections that could take you to your first permanent job in UAE.
