Over 2000 register at Careers Now

Construction recruitment fair Careers Now has attracted over 1,000 visitors. Supported by Building and sister publications BD and Property Week, the two-day free on-line careers fair, which ran on the 4 and 5 November, was aimed at construction professionals at all stages of their careers, whether in management or just starting out.

From the 2,133 of registered job seekers, 1,071 took part in the event with the average time spent at the fair close to four hours. Furthermore, there were as many as 276 unique visitors per exhibitor and 156 visitors to each of the seven webinars.

One participant said: “I think that this virtual event has been far better than an actual event as it has enabled me to apply for a job whilst listening to the webinar and take note of the comments and advice.”

Another job seeker said from the lounge: “Thank you very much for the opportunity of this event, it is quite innovative! I think this event is a great idea especially for those unable to physically attend. The conferences have been very informative.”

The sessions included recession advice. Speakers at ‘Getting ahead in your career despite the recession’ included director of Catalyst Ed Hoad who gave an analysis of how the recession is affecting careers in the built environment. Here, candidates were advised on how to market their experience and skills in a difficult climate.

‘Integrating sustainability into your career’ looked at how sustainability is increasingly high up on the agenda in the built environment. Speakers director of operations and business development at UKGBC Chad Harrell and projects and events director at Sponge Network Tom Randall looked at how expertise in sustainability can be an advantage in gaining work.

Hays recruitment expert consultant Matt Higgs conducted a seminar advising job seekers on how to write the best CV , communicating key strengths and experience through this and in interviews, and the use of appropriate language and keywords in job applications. This followed a panel of employers including speakers Stephen Gee managing partner at John Rowan & Partners, and Carol White UK head of resourcing at WSP Group who discussed what they would be looking for in candidates.

Registered users were encouraged to join the open forum on ‘Progressing your career through social media and online communication’ on day two. The text discussion became quite lively as job seekers discussed the social media revolution, the role of LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook as a source of knowledge and a place to find work.

Other webinars discussed returning to education. With many construction workers considering returning to study for an additional degree, or to gain more knowledge in a certain field – or indeed to help a career change – speakers Gary Reynolds, head of construction and training at the College of Estate Management, and Peter Demian, lecturer at the department of civil and building engineering at Loughborough University, discussed the best choice of courses and finding employment after completion.

The final webinar of the two-day event examined ‘the X factor’. This was a valuable case study of individuals working within construction, architecture and property, who have built a successful career by doing something different.

To register and attend the archive event which will be open for six months visit here.