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Successful at job fairs: How to get your career off to a flying start

Job fairs are the perfect stage to meet employers directly and make a lasting impression.

  • August 19, 2024
  • 4 Min. reading time

Autumn and the new semester are just around the corner, and for many students this marks the start of the hot phase of preparing for their career entry. Whether you're about to graduate or just want to get your foot in the door of the world of work, now is the ideal time to set the course for your professional future. Job fairs offer one of the best opportunities to make valuable contacts and gather information.

Successful strategies for job fairs:

Job fairs are the perfect stage to meet employers face-to-face and make a lasting impression. Here are some proven strategies to help you get the most out of these events.

  1. Preparation is the be-all and end-all: Before you visit a job fair, find out about the participating companies. Think about which companies are of interest to you and prepare specific questions that you would like to ask the company representatives.
  2. First impressions count: Make sure you look well-groomed and appear confident. Practise in advance how to introduce yourself briefly and concisely. A friendly smile and a firm handshake can work wonders.
  3. Take advantage of networking opportunities: Take every opportunity to talk to company representatives. Be curious and open to new contacts. Make a note of the names of the people you have spoken to and write down important information.
  4. Be flexible and open: Even if you may already have a clear goal in mind, be open to new opportunities. Sometimes exciting opportunities arise that you didn't even have on your radar before.
  5. Don't forget to follow up: After the fair is before the fair. Get in touch with the contacts you have made and thank them for talking to you. This not only shows interest, but also keeps you in their memory.


In our career guide ‘Career Starter’ you will find many more tips and tricks for preparation and follow-up. Have a look: Career Starter: The Swiss career guide for students

A highlight in autumn: The Absolvierenden-Messe Schweiz

The largest job fair for students and graduates in autumn is the Absolvierenden-Messe Schweiz. At the fair, you have the opportunity to talk to company representatives from well-known companies in various sectors. From exciting presentations to free application photos, the event offers a wealth of opportunities to find out about career opportunities and make valuable contacts.

What can you do at the Graduate Fair Switzerland?

  • Have personal conversations: You can talk directly to the HR managers at the company stands. This is your chance to introduce yourself and find out about career opportunities.
  • Speakers, talks and coaching sessions: High-calibre speakers will explain everything you need to know about starting a career, studying and careers. Attend the specialist presentations and benefit from valuable tips and tricks for an optimal start to your future.
  • Company Catwalk: During the Company Catwalk, all employers will show you their creative side, giving you good starting points for an interesting conversation at the exhibition stand.
  • Free CV check: Experienced specialists from the field will check your CV free of charge and answer all your questions about application documents, career entry and careers.
  • Find your match: Do you know your needs but not the right employers? Benefit from on-site exhibitor matching, where your skills, requirements and wishes will be compared and you will be shown suitable exhibitors.
  • Free application photos: Let us put you in the right light and receive a free professional application photo that will help you impress.


Feedback from students from 2023

Many students who took part in the Absolvierenden-Messe Schweiz in 2023 reported positive experiences:

  • ‘The Absolvierenden-Messe Schweiz is aimed specifically at graduates with various interesting offers (application photo, CV check, presentations, parallel event Master's Fair).’
  • ‘Regardless of whether you are a recent graduate or a prospective Master's student, there are exciting presentations and a unique opportunity to network personally with employees of the respective companies and potential employers.’
  • ‘Very dynamic fair that offers students support in their future careers.’
  • ‘The opportunity to talk to representatives from some of the best companies in Switzerland in person in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere and to get direct feedback on whether I and a particular job are a good match helped me a lot.’


Other job fairs for students and graduates in autumn

In addition to the Graduate Fair Switzerland, there are many other interesting job fairs that you should visit in autumn. Here is a selection:

  • Forum Geneva: What should I do after my studies? 15 October 2024, Head, Le Cube, Geneva
  • IT-Day: Top jobs for IT students & graduates! 17 October 2024, SIX ConventionPoint, Zurich
  • Master-Messe: The fair for education & training (CAS, DAS, MAS, MBA, EMBA) at universities! 31 October 2024, Hall 550, Zurich-Oerlikon
  • Absolvierenden-Messe Basel: Wie weiter nach dem Studium? 6 November 2024, Congress Center Messe Basel, Hall 4.1
  • Women's Contact-Day: Progressive employers for female students and graduates! 25 November 2024, X-TRA, Zurich


Use these events to optimally prepare for your career start. Each fair offers you new opportunities to expand your network and gather valuable information. See you there