10 Job Fairs in the UK to Follow + Tips

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, job 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 resources for career development.

In this article, we cover:

• What is a job fair?
• Benefits of job fairs for various categories people.
• Top job fairs in the UK.

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What is a job fair?

A job fair (or career fair) is an event that connects employers and job seekers, allowing them to meet and interact in person. Such events offer job seekers a chance to learn about work opportunities in various industries, and give employers a way to find prospective candidates.

In other words, a careers fair is a platform for professional networking. You can think of it as LinkedIn in real life. Attending such an event is an opportunity to learn about various career paths, industries, and job opportunities, while showcasing yourself as a professional candidate for the job.

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Top 10 UK career fairs 

There are many job fairs across the country, but you don’t want to waste your time on the one that won’t improve your career prospects. Below you’ll find a list of the 10 best career fairs and companies that organise them. 

1. UK Careers Fair

A nationwide series of recruitment events held across more than 80 locations, the UK Careers Fair connects job seekers with employers from various sectors, including healthcare, engineering, IT, and retail. Attendees can access on-site CV workshops and interview preparation tips, making it ideal for professionals at all stages of their careers.

Official website: UK Careers Fair

2. The Job Fairs

Operating across multiple UK cities throughout the year, The Job Fairs offer face-to-face networking with employers in fields such as administration, construction, and hospitality. With over 90 events annually, it provides comprehensive opportunities for candidates seeking roles at various levels.

Official website: The Job Fairs

3. London Job Show

Held at venues such as Shepherd’s Bush and Stratford, the London Job Show is London’s premier recruitment event. It features live seminars, employer presentations and vacancies spanning finance, technology and the creative industries. Attendance offers unparalleled access to major London-based employers.

Official website: London Job Show

4. Graduate Recruitment Fairs (Gradfest)

Targeted at students and recent graduates, Gradfest is one of the UK’s largest graduate recruitment expos, with editions held at ExCeL London and the NEC in Birmingham. Hosting top graduate recruiters from law, finance, consulting and more, it enables participants to explore entry-level opportunities and internships.

Official website: Gradfest

5. National STEM Careers Fair

A virtual event aimed primarily at school-leavers and first-year university students, this fair focuses on science, technology, engineering and mathematics. It provides interactive sessions with STEM employers, career advice resources and networking opportunities tailored to those interested in STEM disciplines.

Official website: National STEM Careers Fair

6. National Apprenticeship Show

A free-to-attend series of regional exhibitions promoting apprenticeships at all levels, from entry-level to degree apprenticeships. Exhibitors include employers, training providers, colleges, and universities, allowing young people and career changers to engage directly with apprenticeship opportunities and guidance.

Official website: National Apprenticeship Show

7. MK Job Show

As Milton Keynes’s largest careers fair, the MK Job Show features employers offering roles from senior management to apprenticeships. The free event includes CV checks, on-the-spot interviews and seminars on career development, catering to professionals in the South East region.

Official website: MK Job Show

8. Scottish Graduate Fair (Online)

Scotland’s largest summer recruitment fair for graduates, this online event enables participants to connect with recruiters seeking candidates for graduate-level roles commencing later in the year. It offers a digital platform for CV submissions, live chat with employers and webinar sessions on career progression in Scotland.

Official website: Scottish Graduate Fair (Online)

9. Oxford University Careers Fair

Open to all sectors, the Oxford University Careers Fair is one of the most prestigious university-based events. Held at the Examination Schools in Oxford, the event attracts multinational recruiters as well as startups, offering roles ranging from internships to graduate schemes across various disciplines.

Official website: Oxford University Careers Fair

10. Careers Fair at The British & International Franchise Exhibition

Held annually at Olympia London, this event features a dedicated careers and jobs zone, as well as franchise opportunities. It offers a broad range of employment and self-employment paths, attracting job seekers, career changers, and aspiring entrepreneurs. Attendees can meet with employers, attend free seminars, and receive business and CV advice. It's ideal for those exploring both traditional career paths and alternative work options.

Official website: British & International Franchise Exhibition

Who can benefit from attending a job fair?

1. Students 

Job fairs are an excellent opportunity to explore career paths, understand employer expectations, and build a professional network early on, even before you start searching for a job actively. Meeting recruiters from various industries, exploring different career paths, and attending career-related workshops can help you gain confidence as you enter the job market. 

Not to mention all the important questions you can ask recruiters and employers to clarify your future. Moreover, job fairs can serve as a stepping stone to internships, placements, or even part-time roles that support studies.

Here’s how students can benefit from a career fair:

• Discovering career paths
• Meeting employers
• Landing internships or part-time work
• Getting feedback on their student CVs
• Gaining confidence and career insight

2. Graduates 

If you’re a graduate entering the job market, you might face stiff competition with years of relevant experience. Job fairs offer a direct connection to employers actively seeking candidates for entry-level positions. You’ll be able to learn about industry trends, company cultures, and expectations in a hands-on way. 

They also offer a chance to build interview experience through informal chats or speed interviews. For many graduates, a job fair may be where they secure their first full-time job or get the lead that eventually lands one.

Here’s how graduates can benefit from a career fair:

• Applying for graduate jobs
• Chatting directly with recruiters and discussing graduate’s CV
• Building interview confidence
• Exploring different industries
• Starting your professional network

3. Job-seekers 

Job fairs are a vital resource for individuals seeking employment or planning a career change. Job seekers can connect with a diverse range of employers seeking new talent. This makes the job search way easier.

Moreover, career fairs often offer workshops that can help you write your CV, learn interview techniques, or market yourself more effectively. Not to mention, a motivational lift and fresh perspective during a job search, which can often be a challenging time.

Here’s how job-seekers can benefit from a career fair:

• Meeting employers face-to-face
• Finding fresh job opportunities
• Attending career workshops
• Getting advice on changing careers
• Boosting your job-search motivation

4. Employees

Even for those already employed, job fairs offer value by opening doors to new opportunities and professional growth. Whether you're looking to advance, transition, or simply explore, these events provide access to a diverse range of employers and sectors. 

They also feature upskilling sessions and networking chances that can help you stay competitive in your field. Attending a job fair is a smart way to keep your career options open and stay informed about the job market.

Here’s how employees can benefit from a career fair:

• Exploring new career paths
• Discovering promotion opportunities
• Learning new professional skills
• Meeting like-minded professionals
• Keeping up with job market trends

5. Employers 

Job fairs are a valuable recruitment and branding tool for employers. By participating, companies can promote their brand, meet enthusiastic candidates, and fast-track parts of the hiring process. 

They can also gain a better understanding of current job-seeker expectations and market trends. For organisations aiming to attract young talent or fill multiple roles, job fairs offer a cost-effective and engaging solution.

Here’s how employers can benefit from a career fair:

• Connecting with potential hires
• Promoting your company brand
• Building a talent pipeline
• Observing hiring trends
• Recruiting efficiently in one place

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If you’re going to a job fair, take a professional CV with you! Learn to write one with these articles:

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How we review the content at LiveCareer

Our editorial team has reviewed this article for compliance with Livecareer’s editorial guidelines. It’s to ensure that our expert advice and recommendations are consistent across all our career guides and align with current CV and cover letter writing standards and trends. We’re trusted by over 10 million job seekers, supporting them on their way to finding their dream job. Each article is preceded by research and scrutiny to ensure our content responds to current market trends and demand.

Sources

• Brunel University of London, The importance of networking
• Monster, Poll Results: New Year, New Career