Top career events: How to turn them into a springboard
Table of contents
Table of contents
Have you resolved to go to career fairs this year? Just to see what the exhibitors have to offer?
Don’t do that!
That would be like going to a job interview in your pyjamas.
You have to understand: Career fairs are events where companies are looking for talent.
What does that mean for you?
That you don’t give away any potential at these events.
That you don’t answer your friends’ question “So, how was the fair?” by shrugging your shoulders and saying “It was okay”.
That you prepare yourself intensively for every trade fair, for every interview with a company, so that you come a big step closer to your dream job.
That’s the real potential of career fairs.
No one has told you this yet and you have no idea how to prepare?
You’re in luck because you’ve come across this article.
We’ll introduce you to selected events and tell you what you need to do. Ready to go? Then let’s go!
Tip: All the events we present here are completely free for you as a visitor.
Your 5-point guide to trade fair success
Here are the 5 most important tips for the time before, during and after the trade fair.
#1 Make a plan
Never go to a trade fair without clear goals. Find out what you can achieve at the fair: Do you want a job with a particular company? Check the exhibitor directory to see where the company has its stand. Research what the company is currently up to – most companies have news sections on their website. This will show the decision-makers that you are interested in the company’s interests and will be remembered. If you do this well, you will have massively increased your chances of being hired, even before an interview.
#2 Create business cards
These days they don’t cost much and are super-easy to create. Simply select a template from one of the many major providers, enter your contact details, send off your order – done! The cards will be with you a few days later. Extra tip: Think about a stylish business card case to perfect the classy, professional impression you want to make on the person you’re talking to. Smart cases only cost a few euros.
#3 Train your public image with friends / in front of the mirror
Pretend you are talking to the HR manager of your dream employer. Observe your facial expressions and gestures or have your friends observe both. Are you standing there with your shoulders slouching? Are you mumbling? Do you use your hands to emphasize what you are saying? What posture do you adopt when you imagine you are listening to the other person? Get feedback and work on improving your appearance (shoulders back, smile more, etc.).
#4 Dress like you’re going to a job interview
We’re talking business attire here – suit, blazer, just what you would wear in a professional setting. Remember: A visit to a trade fair stand is always a first date between employer and potential employee. And you would dress up for a date, wouldn’t you?
#5 Keep going after the trade fair
The trade fair days were exhausting, you had great, promising conversations, but you’re also happy to get back to your daily routine. Time to put your hands in your lap and wait for the companies to come knocking on your door, right? No! Before the event is after the event, with the difference that you have made a good first impression on the recruiters at the event. Now you should definitely keep at it and follow up, e.g. by sending an email to emphasize how much you enjoyed the interview and that you would be happy to make further contact. Be absolutely specific here.
Not like this:
Hello Mr. Müller, thank you very much for the interview, I would be happy to have further contact with you.
Like this:
Hello Mr. Müller, thank you very much for the interview on 09.11. at TALENTpro, which we had over an afternoon coffee at around 2 pm. During our exchange, I found your mention of an open trainee position in product development in the new year particularly interesting. I would be happy to talk to you about this in more detail if you are interested. Would the coming Thursday afternoon suit you, e.g. in the form of a digital coffee call via Teams?
I can offer these timeslots:
- 11 a.m.
- 3 p.m.
- 5 p.m.
I would be very happy to hear back from you.
Also, be careful not to come across as spammy, that would be the other extreme. You should definitely respect a statement like “We’ll get back to you” and follow up in a friendly manner after a few days at the most. If nothing comes back, let it go, otherwise it will backfire.
The best career events at a glance
Now you’re perfectly prepared for career events. But which ones should you attend? Here are our suggestions.
Job and training fairs in Nuremberg
Nuremberg is an important economic center in the region, with companies from the medical technology, mechanical engineering and electrical engineering sectors in particular being based here. The job and training fairs in Nuremberg are correspondingly diverse.
#1 Jobmesse Nürnberg 2024
Large exhibitors such as the German Armed Forces, ALDI Süd, Deutsche Bahn etc. are represented at this well-known job fair. But you will also find smaller companies here.
Where?
Meistersingerhalle
Great Hall
Münchener Str. 21
90478 Nuremberg
When?
February 21, 2024- 12:00 to 18:00
Why?
In the past, the Nuremberg Job Fair has made a name for itself through good organization, excellent visitor support and great after-work events. The exhibitors were also very satisfied, which suggests that you will also find motivated contacts for your questions this time.
#2 Karrieretag Nürnberg
The Career Day Nuremberg invites you: Find your perfect job here, or take advantage of the resume and application portfolio check program. Career coaching sessions and a number of presentations on career preparation and promotion also await you.
Where?
Meistersingerhalle
Münchener Str. 21
90478 Nuremberg
When?
May 14, 2024 – 10:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Why?
The Career Day offers the perfect mix of job fair and further training without having to invest several days, as would be the case at a traditional trade fair. Especially cool: You can have your application photos taken by professional photographers on site and take them home with you – free of charge!
#3 Studien- und Ausbildungsmesse Stuzubi
Stuzubi is aimed at young people who are looking for a training or study place. As a hybrid event, it offers an all-in-one package to inform you about the various careers, both at universities and at well-known employers such as the Bavarian Police, German Air Traffic Control and many more.
Where?
Meistersingerhalle
Large hall
Münchener Str. 21
90478 Nuremberg
When?
January 20, 2024 – 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
March 23, 2024 (online) – 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Why?
Visitors to the trade fair emphasize the versatility of the exhibitors at the event – exactly what you want at a trade fair, right? Stuzubi is perfect for you, especially if you don’t yet know exactly what training you want to do or what you want to study. You will also meet young people there who will talk about their experiences first-hand.
Job and training fairs in Leipzig
The trade fair city of Leipzig has been considered a boomtown for years, and renowned companies such as Amazon and BMW have important locations here. At the following events, you can find out what exciting career paths you can take in Leipzig and the surrounding region.
#1 Jobmesse Leipzig 2024
With over 170 exhibitors, the Leipzig Job Fair is one of the largest career and recruiting events in Germany. The exhibitors specifically look for talented people and answer your questions in the first contact, which is why you have the best chance of finding the right job for you here.
Where?
Congress Center Leipzig (CCL)
Seehausener Allee 1
04356 Leipzig
When?
January 27, 2024 – 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Why?
We have found that this trade fair is not just “aimed at the masses”. Instead, both exhibitors and visitors take the necessary time to have interesting and exciting conversations. Another special feature is the location: the modern Congress Center Leipzig (CCL) also hosts other popular events such as the Leipzig Book Fair. The Center opens its doors to you at the end of January, where you can take your first steps towards a career.
#2 Stuzubi Leipzig
Still not sure what you want to study or what career you want to pursue later? At Stuzubi, you can talk to people who will share their experiences of the careers they have chosen. We find this mega-exciting and, above all, authentic and helpful for making a decision.
Where?
KONGRESSHALLE at the zoo
Pfaffendorfer Str. 31
04105 Leipzig
When?
March 02, 2024 – 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
March 23, 2024 (online) – 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Why?
At Stuzubi you will get real insights from trainees and students: How does everyday life work, what do you learn, what tasks and opportunities await you? Make sure you also take part in the Job Slam, where top exhibitors pitch their offers for you. And then there’s the unique location: the Congress Hall in the middle of Leipzig Zoo – how cool is that?
#3 azubi- & studientage Leipzig 2024
The azubi- & studientage Leipzig is taking place for the 23rd time – over the years, the event has constantly evolved so that you can not only chat with the exhibitors, but also hand them your application. It couldn’t be more personal! If you only discover your dream career (e.g. a dual study program) at the event itself, no problem – you can submit your application online after the initial contact with the employer.
Where?
Leipzig Trade Fair
Messe-Allee 1
04356 Leipzig
When?
November 08, 2024 – 09:00 to 14:00
November 09, 2024 – 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Why?
The azubi- & studientage will help you to filter out the right one for you from the huge range of training and study courses on offer – not just through information, but through personal contact with the universities of applied sciences, universities and training companies at the stands. This is very important during these days, so that you can get an impression and get a feel for which career is right for you.
Job and training fairs in Bonn
As the former federal capital, Bonn still has an important place in the German economy. Explore these events in Bonn to prepare for your future.
#1 Karrieretag Bonn
“Job hunting couldn’t be easier” – that’s the promise of the Bonn Career Day, or to be more precise, two career days on which the Telekom Dome opens its doors to you. Talk to decision-makers from well-known companies about your career opportunities and get coaching from a professional to boost your chances on the job market.
Where?
Telekom Dome
Basketsring 1
53123 Bonn
When?
April 11, 2024 – 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
October 10, 2024 – 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Why?
At this event, you will be optimally prepared for your career start with coaching, lectures, workshops, CV and application portfolio checks. Of course, there will also be a free application photo shoot. What more can you expect from a job event? Exactly.
#2 Bonner Hochschulmesse 2024
The Bonn University Fair can be described as a melting pot of universities and universities of applied sciences in the region. In addition to the University of Bonn, contacts from the University of Cologne, the University of Koblenz and numerous other exhibitors will be on hand to answer your questions.
Where?
Maritim Bonn
Kurt-Georg-Kiesinger-Allee 1
53175 Bonn
When?
February 19, 2024 – 12:30 to 17:30
Why?
Organized by the Bonn Careers Advisory Service, the Bonn University Fair offers an important information hub for prospective students looking for the right course of study. The fact that the number of exhibitors does not exceed 30 ensures that you can take a closer look at the individual universities and their offers instead of being overwhelmed by an excess of choice.
#3 Fakultätskarrieretag Bonn
This event for prospective lawyers is a face-to-face fair with an online component. If you’ve always wanted to immerse yourself in law, you should mark this event in red pencil in your calendar.
Where?
Exhibition tent
Parking lot behind the Juridicum
Adenauerallee 24-42
53113 Bonn
When?
June 11, 2024 – 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Why?
The fusion of online and offline is brilliant at this event. Create a profile before the fair, search for employers who could be a match and receive an invitation for an interview. This way, you can prepare for the interviews before the event and give your law career a powerful boost.
Job and training fairs in Kaiserslautern
Do you like Kaiserslautern and would like to gain a foothold here? Then take a look at the following job and training events.
#1 Treffpunkt Kaiserslautern
Treffpunkt Kaiserslautern is an initiative by students for students. The organizers call the event a company contact fair, and that’s exactly what it’s all about: Meeting promising employers from the region.
Where?
Treffpunkt GbR
Erwin Schrödinger Str. 57
67663 Kaiserslautern
When?
June 11 to June 13, 2024 (time unknown so far)
Why?
The special feature of this event is that students from TU Kaiserslautern are responsible for organizing the fair themselves. They know exactly what is important at such an event and what is important for you. Furthermore, the event is under the auspices of the TU, which guarantees additional quality in the placement of internships, dissertations, etc.
#2 bonding Firmenkontaktmesse Kaiserslautern
Find out directly at bonding about internships, entry opportunities, career opportunities, etc. This fair is also organized by students for students.
Where?
TU Kaiserslautern
Paul-Ehrlich-Strasse 28
67663 Kaiserslautern
When?
November 20 to November 22, 2024 – 09:30 to 16:30
Why?
bonding is the central event, but “more than just a trade fair”, as the website says. This means that other exciting events such as excursions, lectures and competitions take place around bonding. Use bonding as a starting point and find out about other events here regularly.
Job and training fairs in Berlin
The capital has a large number of recruiting and career events. We have fished out the event gold nuggets for you!
#1 15. jobmesse berlin
Regional employers such as the Berlin fire department and the Neukölln district office as well as national institutions such as the Federal Criminal Police Office and customs will be presenting themselves at this event. Of course, you will also find private companies looking for committed young talent.
Where?
ARENA BERLIN
Eichenstraße 4
12435 Berlin
When?
March 02, 2024 – 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
March 03, 2024 – 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Why is this happening?
This event goes far beyond the classic job interview. Application portfolio checks, application photo shoots and expert presentations create a program that will make you feel completely at ease as a potential applicant.
#2 vocatium Berlin
If you are still looking for a place to study, vocatium Berlin is the right place for you. This event is characterized by personal talks and a programme of lectures.
Where?
Where?
ARENA BERLIN
Eichenstraße 4
12435 Berlin
When?
June 19, 2024 – 08:30 to 15:00
June 20, 2024 – 08:30 to 15:00
Why?
vocatium Berlin stands out from the crowd of recruiting events with its personal, scheduled discussions. This means that both visitors and exhibitors can prepare for these meetings and approach them in a targeted manner. This concept has been popular for years and is rarely found in today’s trade fair landscape.
#3 11. Jobmesse Berlin
The Berlin Job Fair is a classic event without a lot of frills, with a focus on providing training and further education opportunities.
Where?
Olympic Stadium Berlin
Olympic Square 3
14053 Berlin
When?
March 23, 2024 – 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Why?
Sometimes you don’t need fancy specials or features for an event – just a focus on the essentials, namely finding the right employer for you. In addition to the numerous exhibitors, which also include global players, there is something that should not go unmentioned: The fair takes place in the Olympic Stadium, which creates a unique, motivating atmosphere.
#4 Einstieg Berlin 2024
Einstieg Berlin lives up to its name: it is aimed at young people who want to enter the world of work but don’t yet know which job is right for them.
Where?
ARENA BERLIN
Eichenstrasse 4
12435 Berlin
When?
November 15, 2024 – 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
November 16, 2024 – 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Why?
We like the relaxed, informal atmosphere at Einstieg Berlin. The exhibitors know that you are still at the very beginning and are accordingly friendly and open to your questions. After the intensive days, you will have learned about numerous exciting jobs and gained an overview of the various career opportunities.
#5 JOBMEDI Berlin 2024
JOBMEDI Berlin focuses on the healthcare sector – an enormously important area in which specialists are desperately needed. But which specialist area is right for you? What qualifications do you need for your dream job? And how can you get further training if necessary? You can find out all this at this fair.
Where?
Palais am Funkturm
Hammarskjöldplatz
14055 Berlin
When?
December 06, 2024 – 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
December 07, 2024 – 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Why is this happening?
JOBMEDI Berlin is the place to be if you are looking for a career in nursing, healthcare or social services. We particularly like the high number of exhibitors who are committed and motivated to engage with visitors. The public transport connections are also ideal.
Extra-Tipp München: TALENTpro
In our search for the best career events, we have focused on local trade fairs that you can easily reach from your Staytoo apartment.
However, there is also an important, large trade fair that we don’t want to withhold from you: TALENTpro in Munich. You can easily get there by train or carpool, the travel effort is worth it!
Where?
Zenith Munich
Lilienthalallee 29
80939 Munich
When?
June 11, 2024 – 09:00 to 16:30
June 12, 2024 – 09:00 to 16:30
Why is this happening?
TALENTpro is the largest gathering in German talent and recruiting management. What you get at the fair is correspondingly awesome: Gourmet food from food trucks, morning yoga sessions, live music, and of course, plenty of big-name exhibitors. You should definitely go to experience it!
More articles in our blog
Before you dive into the trade fairs, take a look at our other articles on the topics of work, career and self-employment:
We wish you every success in your search for the right job or employer for you!
Ahoy,
Your Staytoo team
