The Best Job Fairs in the UK for 2025

Career fairs are engaging events that bring together job seekers and potential employers. Whether you're a student exploring career options, a graduate searching for tips on how to write a CV for your first job, or an experienced professional looking for a new opportunity, career fairs offer significant value. 

In the UK, these events attract thousands of attendees from some of the biggest industries and regions. They offer networking opportunities, information on job openings, and valuable career development resources.

In this article, we cover:

• Benefits of job fairs.

• Top job fairs in the UK.

• Tips on how to prepare for a job fair.

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What are the benefits of job fairs?

Job fairs offer a range of advantages for both job seekers and employers. They provide a unique platform for face-to-face interaction, allowing candidates to showcase their skills, learn about potential job opportunities, and build meaningful professional connections.

1. For students

Career fairs provide invaluable insights into potential career paths and graduate schemes. As a student, you can explore various industries and learn about the skills and qualifications required for different roles. This exposure helps you make informed decisions about your future and identify opportunities that align with your interests and academic background.

Interested in what makes a good student CV or student cover letter? 

2. For graduates

Graduates seeking to launch their careers can connect with companies actively looking to hire entry-level talent. These events allow you to network with recruiters, learn about available positions, and understand what employers look for in recent graduates. Engaging directly with hiring managers can also give you a competitive edge when applying for your first job.

For more information, check out our writing guides below:

• Graduate CV.

• Graduate cover letter.

3. For professionals

For experienced professionals, career fairs present an opportunity to explore new career options, upskill, and potentially switch industries. You can gather information on emerging trends, attend workshops, and meet with recruiters who can help you transition into new roles. Whether you're looking to climb the ladder or pivot to a different field, these fairs can open doors to new possibilities.

Whether you’re changing careers or seeking how to improve your CV, we’ve got you covered. 

4. For employers

Employers benefit from meeting a diverse pool of candidates, from fresh graduates to seasoned professionals, all in one location. Career fairs allow companies to showcase their brand, share information about their workplace culture, and conduct on-the-spot interviews. This efficiency helps employers quickly identify candidates who match their needs and contributes to building a strong talent pipeline.

What are the top job fairs in the UK?

The UK hosts several leading career fairs throughout the year, catering to a wide variety of industries and job levels.

1. UK Careers Fair

Held across various cities, the UK Careers Fair is one of the largest job fairs in the country. It caters to job seekers from multiple industries, including healthcare, engineering, IT, and retail. The fair provides a great opportunity for networking and offers resources such as CV workshops and interview preparation tips.

For more information, visit the UK Careers Fair.

2. The Job Fairs

Operating across different UK cities, The Job Fairs offers job seekers an excellent opportunity to connect with employers and discover roles in fields such as administration, construction, and hospitality. With over 90 fairs held annually, it’s one of the most comprehensive platforms for UK job seekers.

Find out more by visiting The Job Fairs UK.

3. London Job Show

Held at Shepherd’s Bush and Stratford, the London Job Show is a significant event for job seekers in the capital. It focuses on a wide range of industries including finance, technology, and the creative sector. With direct access to top employers and live seminars, it’s a must-attend for professionals in London.

Visit the London Job Show for more information.

4. Graduate Recruitment Fairs

Aimed specifically at students and recent graduates, these fairs take place in cities like Manchester, London, and Birmingham. They provide graduates with opportunities to connect with top graduate recruiters and explore job opportunities in fields like law, finance, and consulting.

Learn more about the UK's biggest career events at Job Shows.

5. National STEM Careers Fair

Focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), this virtual career fair is geared towards students and school leavers aged 13 to 16 but offers resources for older attendees as well. It’s an excellent platform for anyone interested in the STEM field.

For more tips, refer to Women in STEM events or visit STEM Careers Fair for more information.

6. Belfast Jobs Fair

For those in Northern Ireland, the Belfast Jobs Fair offers a local option with various employers from sectors such as healthcare, IT, and education. The fair also provides career advice and workshops on employability skills.

Visit Staffline to find out more about Northern Ireland's biggest job fair.

Tips on how to prepare for a job fair

Career fairs offer a fantastic opportunity to connect directly with recruiters and learn about the qualifications, skills, and experience needed for various roles. Whether you're a recent graduate, changing careers, or exploring new job opportunities, these events can be invaluable for networking with potential employers. Learn more about the top skills employers look for.

1. Research attending companies

Before the event, create a list of companies that interest you. Look into their job openings, company culture, and core values. For example, if you're interested in a tech company, explore its latest projects, values such as innovation and teamwork, and any recent news articles about achievements. This knowledge will enable you to ask insightful questions, such as, "I noticed you recently entered two new markets, what skills are you looking for in candidates to support this initiative?" Learn more about top tech jobs.

2. Prepare your CV

Bring multiple copies of your updated CV, ensuring it's tailored to the specific roles you’re targeting. For example, if you’re applying for a marketing position, highlight relevant experiences such as your role in a successful social media campaign or specific metrics that showcase your impact, like "increased engagement by 30% over three months." This tailored approach shows recruiters that you are serious about the position.

Create your CV for a job fair

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Explore our diverse collection of CV examples for inspiration.

3. Dress professionally

First impressions are crucial, so dressing appropriately is vital. Choose business or smart casual attire to convey professionalism. For example, wearing a well-fitted blazer with smart trousers or a knee-length dress can strike the right balance. Avoid overly casual clothing like jeans or sneakers, as they may not project the level of professionalism you're aiming for.

4. Practice your elevator pitch

Develop a concise, engaging introduction that highlights your skills, experience, and career goals. For example, you might say, "Hi, I’m Sarah, a recent graduate with a degree in Environmental Science. I've completed internships focused on sustainability projects, where I improved recycling programs, leading to a 15% increase in participation. I’m looking to leverage my skills in a role that contributes to sustainable initiatives, particularly in urban development." Practising this pitch can help you confidently initiate conversations with recruiters.

5. Engage and follow up

Be proactive—ask questions and express genuine enthusiasm for the roles and companies that interest you. For example, if you speak with a recruiter from a Creative Agency, you might ask, "What qualities do you think make a candidate successful in your creative team?" This demonstrates your interest and helps you gauge the company's expectations.

After the career fair, be sure to follow up with the recruiters you've met. A brief email such as, "It was a pleasure meeting you at the job fair. I'm very interested in the marketing internship we discussed and would appreciate learning more about the application process," will help reinforce your interest and keep you top of mind. You may also want to connect on LinkedIn. Check out our guide to improving your LinkedIn profile for tips.

Refer to our guide on how to improve your LinkedIn profile.

Key takeaways

• Career fairs are valuable for students, graduates, and experienced professionals looking to network and find job opportunities.

• The top career fairs include the UK Careers Fair, The Job Fairs, and the London Job Show.

• Preparation is key to making a lasting impression—research companies, prepare your CV, dress well, and practice your pitch.

Next steps?

Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned professional, a CV and a good cover letter are key to securing more interviews, and we're here to help! Check out our cover letter examples for inspiration, or sign up for our expert CV Writing Service to get personalised assistance.

FAQs

What are other names for career fairs?

Career fairs are also known as job fairs, hiring events, career expos, and recruitment fairs.

What is a career expo?

A career expo is a large-scale event where employers and job seekers meet to discuss career opportunities. It is essentially the same as a career fair but may feature an industry-specific or regional focus.

What is the meaning of a hiring fair?

A hiring fair is another term for a job fair, where companies seek to fill open positions by meeting potential candidates in person.