Aalto JobTeaser (external link)
Aalto JobTeaser portal for job ads, career events and guidance
Talent Expo
Tips for fair visitors
Even with a little preparation you'll get more from the Expo. Read our tips for a successful expo day!
Talent Expo is great opportunity to meet employers in the fields of business, technology, arts and design and acquire more information on different fields, employers and career options.
- For first year students, the expo is a great opportunity to acquire knowledge on different fields for future studies and to meet future employers. In addition, you'll have the chance to get information on summer jobs or part-time jobs.
- Students in midway their studies can ask information on your field's traineeships, thesis subjects, part-time jobs or summer jobs. Utilize also the opportunity to ask tips for your studies from the employers, especially if you have a certain career in your mind.
- For graduating student, the expo offers a way to find information on your field's traineeships, thesis subjects and jobs after graduation. Expo is also a great opportunity to create contacts and expand your network.
Even with a little preparation you'll get more from the Expo. Decide in advance the company stands which you'd like to visit and with whom you'd like to network. Prepare also some questions to the company representatives. Below, you'll find our tips for expo preparation!
1. Familiarize yourself with the exhibitors beforehand
Familiarize yourself with the exhibitors beforehand in JobTeaser and choose the ones you find the most interesting. Find out at least in what field the organization operates, what services and products it offers and is the organization looking for new employees at the moment. Preparation gives a positive image of you as a potential employee and helps you to figure out which organizations are looking employees with your knowledge and expertise. In addition, it's easier for you to approach interesting organizations and show your interest by asking defining and specific questions about the organization and open positions from the company representative.
Go check out also our Talent Expo Instagram account, so that you'll have the chance to get to know the organizations participating at the fair among the first ones. Organizations share on our page for example their employees' career stories and open positions as well as tell about their everyday life and other interesting things. Remember to actively comment and like the post, since by being active you'll show interest towards the employer and surely stand out positively.
2. Update your CV and LinkedIn-profile
Update your CV and LinkedIn-profile before the fair and take them with you. Remember, that all employers don't accept paper CVs but rather ask you to submit an application via online. Follow employers instruction, this way they keep in track with all the applicants.
In addition, take a fresh, representing CV photo of yourself. This you can do for free at the fair as well! Read more about finetuning the CV and the general tips on job hunting in JobTeaser Guide.
3. Be active
Approach the employers that interest you and reserve a time for a talk at the stand. Introduce yourself, speak clearly (there is a lot of noise at the fair), shake hands and look in the eyes - the first impression tells a lot about you. Listen actively, converse and seize the opportunity. Remember to also ask questions, which help you to differentiate yourself from others.
Develop a brief, maximum of couple of minutes, elevator pitch for introducing yourself and your study program, work experience, your skills and your interest towards the organization in question. Target your pitch for each organization, explain why your skills and experience would be the right match for the organization or the open position. Make sure that your presentation isn't too long, short but effective presentation works best.
Gather the business cards or other contact details of your discussion partners. It's always good to mention your encounter at Talent Expo in further contacts. Make use of the first impression you made; send your cover letter or LinkedIn contact request within a couple of days of the expo.
Below, you'll find some ideas for your elevator pitch. Read also our tips for questions to ask at the stands.
Hi, I’m [First name Last name] and I began my studies at Aalto University [school] this autumn. I thought about specializing in [study program] and I would be interested in knowing what kind of job opportunities I'd have in your organization in the future. Is there something special I should take in to account while planning my studies?
Hi, I’m [First name Last name] and I’m on my first year studying for my master’s degree here at Aalto University [school]. My major is [study program] and last summer I worked as [position]. My responsibilities were [task] and [task] and I learned a lot about e.g. [IT-program/skill/way of working etc.].I’d like to ask about the job opportunities you can offer me now during my studies, or after I graduate. I’m especially interested in [] and [].
Hi, I’m [First name Last name], [major] from Aalto [school] graduating in [month, year]. I have experience in [ ], [ ] and [ ] and that’s why I’m really interested in the [position] you have open. In addition I have heard so many good things about your work culture from my friend who has worked in [company name] and [reason why the company also interest you].
In what kind of positions graduates from my study field usually work in your organization?
Have you graduate from my study field? What did you study?
What do you do at your organization? Is your current position your first position at the organization?
How long have you worked at your current work place?
Does your organization hire non-Finnish speakers?
Does your organization hire on a continual basis or only at certain times a year? Do you employ summer workers? When do you start looking for summer workers?
How does one apply for a job at your company? What are your most important criteria for employees? Are there any particular personality traits you look for?
Do you recruit candidates with a bachelor’s degree? For what posts?
What kinds of courses or what major do you suggest in order to be a successful candidate?
What skills your organization needs in the future?
What kind of positions would you have for a student with my background? (Introduce yourself before asking this question)
4. Participate in the expo program
In addition to meeting employers, the expo offers help and tips for job hunting and polishing application papers. Bring your CV or portfolio for professional commenting, discuss with alumni about their career paths and update your CV photo.
Read more about the program this year in JobTeaser. You need to register beforehand for some of the programs, so remember to do this on time.
The home of Talent Expo is in JobTeaser
In JobTeaser you can get to know the exhibitors, find open positions, register for the program and read Aalto University Career Services guides for job hunting.
Note! Requires registration with Aalto credentials.
For students
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