forum3 2012 will be bigger and better than ever. With more exhibitors, a comprehensive programme of seminars, workshops and career masterclasses, a CV advice zone and breakout areas where you can chat with potential employers, forum3 is the perfect environment for you to make the next step in your career.
Top tips for making the most of your visit to forum3:
1) Bring a copy of your CV Undoubtedly the best way to quickly outline to exhibitors what experience you already have; so make sure it’s up to date and well presented. And don’t just hand it out to everyone; see it as a way to make a meaningful connection with a potential employer.
2) Dress smartly OK, maybe not a dinner jacket. Just make sure you're wearing something comfortable, but that's relatively smart. Exhibitors are unlikely to take you seriously if you turn up in your battered jeans, mucky t-shirt and muddy trainers.
3) Use your time wisely Decide which exhibitors you'll approach, and what you want from them, before you start walking around the show. Della Davis of the UK Workforce Hub says: "It really helps to think about what you want to get out of the day – whether it's gathering information, talking to people and getting a 'feel' for the sector, or a more focused job search."
4) Look at the seminar programme A chance to hear in more detail about specific areas within the sector, forum3’s seminars could be one of the most useful parts of the show for you.
5) Ask questions If you've done your research, you should have plenty of queries that you’re dying to get answered. But in the heat of the moment, you’ll forget them all – write them down! Don't be afraid to ask something that seems obvious, or questions you fear might make you look foolish.
6) Go with an open mind While being clear about the career sectors you're most interested, you could come across something entirely new. Be prepared to investigate. Paul Anderson, Head of London and South East at Homeless Link, says: "Although you should be clear about your own skills, you should never say never."
7) Follow up afterwards If you're serious about a job in this sector, your exhibition experience doesn’t end when you walk out the doors. If you've come across anything new then look into it. Follow up any contacts you made. Stay in touch. Exhibitors will talk to hundreds of people during the event, so you may need to remind them how keen you are.
8) 'Follow' exhibitors you want to keep in touch with - The exhibitors advertise their temporary, permanent and voluntary positions on our jobs board in the run up to the event.
In addition you can choose to follow any exhibitor you like, allowing them to keep in touch with you in the build up to the event, invite you to meet specific line managers or find out more about projects they're involved in.
