18 Oct, 2018 / BY Neil Sharp

What to see and do at the 2018 National Graduate Recruitment Fair

The National Graduate Recruitment Exhibition 'GradJobs Live!' returns to Birmingham's NEC this November 2nd & 3rd, 2018.

Students and graduates will be able to explore career options across a vast range of industries and sectors  - from business, technology, hospitality and IT to the rapidly developing world of electronics manufacturing.

There will also be a packed programme of free presentations, workshops, advice centres and clinics for graduate job seekers.

Please do pop by the JJS stand where you can chat with our past and present JJS graduates and find out all about career opportunities within the electronics manufacturing services (EMS) sector.

Explore career opportunities at ESCATEC

Not sure what to expect? Here's the low-down of what you'll be able to see and do over the two day show:

1) Hear from Industry Experts

The Careers in Industry Theatre features insights from industry-leading employers on the best routes in to your chosen industry, what graduate opportunities exist and what your career progression prospects could look like.

2) Talk to Graduates

The Graduate Panel brings together a cross-section of recently hired graduates who will share their inside perspectives on working for some of the UK's leading employers - with advice on their subject choices at university, their experiences of the recruitment process and what life is like in their new roles.

3) Collect CV Tips

With many graduate positions attracting more than 200 applicants for a single role, the battle is on to make your CV stand out from the rest.

The CV Clinic provides one-to-one advice on how to write a clear and concise CV that avoids all the classic mistakes, highlights your strengths and gets you noticed. Please note there is a small charge to attend this session.

4) Prep for Your Assessment Day

Most graduate employers conduct an assessment day as part of their interview process, typically including competency-based interviews, group exercises to psychometric testing. The NGR's Mock Assessment Centre offers practical 1-hr 'Mock Assessment' sessions where you can hone your skills and get professional feedback. 

5) Ace Your Psychometric Testing 

Psychometric Testing is an increasingly popular technique that helps recruiters assess, compare and differentiate between their candidates.

The tests typically fall into one of two categories - an Aptitude Test (numerical or verbal) and a Personality Assessment. And while they're commonly taken online prior to your interview, you might also be asked to complete one on the day of your assessment.

If you're interested to try them out for yourself, then stop by the Psychometric Testing Area where you can practice for free. 

6) Get Careers Advice

If the thought of taking your first steps into the world of graduate employment is feeling a bit daunting, then stop by the Careers Advice clinic.

You can chat to helpful industry experts about career choices, job-hunting strategies and prepping for interviews, with creative ways to get your prospective employer's attention, and much more. There's no need to book an appointment.

7) Be Business Ready

Discover the key attributes required for business, fill in any of the gaps in your current skill-set and give yourself a competitive advantage.

The Skills for Business clinic will help you ensure you're work-ready and that you're confident about delivering what's expected.

8) Register for the High Flyers' Club

Get access to private networking sessions with recruiters from top employers, get access to the private members area and avoid the queue!

The GradJobs High Flyers' Club is an exclusive forum with members selected on the basis of academic achievement. Membership is free and you can apply when you register for your ticket at the exhibition. 

Plan Your Visit 

1) Location

  • Hall 10, The NEC, Birmingham, B40 1NT

2) Opening Hours

  • 11.00am to 4.00pm daily

3) Book your ticket

  • Entry to the exhibition is free, however you'll need to register to sign up for your ticket

4) Getting There 

  • By Bus - Use the X1 or 97A bus services from Birmingham City Centre
  • By Train - There are regular direct services to Birmingham International. Please note if you're travelling from further afield you may need to catch a connecting train from Birmingham New Street.
  • By Car - The NEC is located near Junction 6 of the M42, close to Birmingham International Railway and Birmingham Airport 

5) Subsidised Travel

  • If you're a full-time student then find out how you can claim back up to £8 on your travel costs.

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Written by Neil Sharp

Neil has over 25 years’ experience in Electronics Manufacturing Services and Component Distribution. During his career, Neil has held a range of leadership positions in sales, marketing, and customer service. Neil is currently part of the ESCATEC Senior Management Team and is responsible for setting and delivering the overall Group Marketing strategy. Neil heads up the marketing department and is responsible for both the strategy and the implementation of innovative marketing campaigns designed to deliver high quality content to those seeking outsourcing solutions.