Save the Date!

Britain’s premier recruitment, jobs and training fair, Careers and Jobs Live and theGRADfair, is returning to Olympia for what promises to be the biggest recruitment event this year. A variety of blue-chip companies will be exhibiting at the two-day event, including Tesco, ACCA, Independent Newspapers, Fremantle Media and BP. Doors open from 11am to 5pm on Sunday 31st October and 9:30am to 4pm on Monday 1st November, admission is free.

The show will be divided into two sections: Careers & Jobs Live on the ground floor and theGRADfair on the first floor. Many top exhibitors will have exciting opportunities for those who come with a CV and are prepared for an impromptu interview. But if your CV is not in tip-top shape or you need some advice on preparing for interviews, never fear! There will be CV Clinics available to offer advice on how to highlight your skills and put together a perfect CV. Careers and Jobs live has a free CV clinic which will be provided by PJG Recruitment and graduate specialists, the Graduate Recruitment Bureau, will also be offering a free CV clinic service in theGRADfair.

Last year over 15,000 visitors attended the show and plenty of jobs were secured as a direct result. Enterprise Rent-A-Car exhibited in theGRADfair section, on the first floor at Olympia. Two people secured jobs by visiting the stand and talking to the recruitment supervisor Raj Dohil. She will be on hand again this year and highlighted the benefits of attending theGRADfair. These type of recruitment shows are an excellent way of gaining access to the right people, for both employer and prospective employee. Last year we met graduate Tom Cheney and he has been with the company ever since. Through the Enterprise MBA training programme he has been given a thorough grounding in all aspects of running a business.

There will be other representatives from well-known companies available for some first hand advice. Those thinking about taking time out before going to university can talk to a student who took part in the Gap Year Scheme. Gap is the leading year out organisation for voluntary work placements overseas for 17-19 year olds. Tim Nagle spent his Gap year teaching English in China in 2003. He says of his experience: I feel that taking a structured gap year can benefit anybody; it can be a valuable learning experience as well as an impressive addition to a CV.

Another alternative for those thinking about volunteering is the African Conservation Experience. This scheme is open to all, whether you are in between school and university or taking a career break. The scheme involves volunteering on a game reserve in Africa for a period of 1 to 3 months. The African Conservation Experience stand can be found on the ground floor of the show, stand no. 145.

Other exciting features at the show include cookery demonstrations from London and Edinburgh Inns. They are a company with tenanted and managed pubs and hotels who are looking to recruit staff at all levels. They will have over 100 jobs on offer including modern apprenticeship schemes with recognised qualifications. Regular features of the show include: The Wall of Opportunity - a jobs board posted with current opportunities available at various stands Profile Plus - a form that can be filled out on the day which acts as a mini CV Crche - For those who have children, there is no reason not to attend the show Also present will be colleges and universities such as London Metropolitan University, with representatives on hand to explain the opportunities available in Masters and other advanced courses.

Some attendee advice; Think about what type of work you want, do your homework on any exhibitors you are particularly interested in talking to, dress smartly - first impressions count, bring plenty of CVs and fill in application forms carefully on the day.