Job fairs
Meeting people in person is often the fastest way to find work in a new country. Job fairs bring together employers, recruiters, and job seekers in one place, without the wait of an online application.
This page shows you how to find job fairs near you and prepare so you make the most of them.
Overview
A job fair is an event where several companies set up stands so you can meet recruiters face-to-face, ask questions directly, and hand over your CV in person. For newcomers, this is especially useful: you skip the wait for an email reply, and you get a direct first impression that is hard to convey through an online form.
Where to find job fairs
You can find job fairs in West Flanders through the following channels:
- VDAB publishes an agenda of job fairs and recruitment events across the region. Their Events page lists everything happening in your specific region, so it's worth bookmarking directly.
- Your city's official website often lists local job fairs and career events
- Universities and colleges organise their own career fairs, usually open to international students
- IHWF community events sometimes point you to upcoming fairs relevant to your sector
Preparing for a job fair
A little preparation goes a long way at a job fair.
- Bring several printed copies of your CV - Prepare a short introduction about yourself and what you are looking for
- If you'd like a model for this, Rebecca Okamoto's TEDx talk "How to introduce yourself and get hired" is a useful watch on framing your own pitch.
- Check the list of attending companies in advance and pick a few to focus on - Dress neatly and professionally, as you would for an interview
Good to know: some job fairs ask you to register online beforehand, even though entry is free. Check the event page a few days ahead so you are not turned away at the door.
Sources
- VDAB
