HKU holds Virtual Career Fair 2021
The Centre of Development and Resources for Students (CEDARS) of the University of Hong Kong (HKU) will organise the HKU Virtual Career Fair 2021 from February 22 to 26 (Monday to Friday). This is the second year that the annual event is held online, providing students and graduates with career information and job vacancies.
Ms Jaime Fung, Director of Careers and Placement, CEDARS said: “Over 140 companies and organisations from a wide range of industries will be present at the event, offering more than 2,200 graduate and internship vacancies, including local and overseas opportunities and those from startups. Over 15 online industry talks and career preparation seminars will be conducted during the Fair, as well as CV consultation sessions providing students with employment support and tips for online job interviews.”
Ms. Ada Tsang, Global Management Trainee (GMT) Program and Leadership Development Leader of Lalamove, will speak at the career preparation seminar on February 23 on the “4 ways of self-enhancement in today’s world of work”. S.W.I.F.T SCRL will also share with students on how to succeed in virtual interviews on February 24.
Under the continual impact of the epidemic, recruitment strategies of corporations are much different from the past. More and more companies have switched to virtual interviews in their selection process, while employers also have new criteria for assessing applicants.
Ms. Ada Tsang selected 17 elites out of a thousand applicants as Lalamove’s Management Trainees last year. She pointed out three key points that candidates could stand out in virtual interviews: understanding the industry, understanding the company, and understanding themselves.
“This allows employers to look at job seekers from a macro to micro perspective, and understand their experience, ideas and vision. For fresh graduates, employers generally will not ask too many questions related to work experience,” she said. In addition, since candidates can only be assessed via a screen at virtual interviews, they must be fully prepared to present well at a virtual environment.
“Sometimes I log into the video conference 10 minutes earlier than the scheduled time. If the candidate is already there waiting, it will definitely give me a good impression.” She also came across candidates with a chaotic dormitory as the interview background or who dressed too casually for the interview. For example, appearing in homewear is not appropriate.
“Even if they perform well in the interview, they will not be considered! Besides, interviewees should also pay attention to the pace and clarity of their speech, appearance, dressing, etc.” Due to the large number of applicants, Ms Tsang reminded applicants that every little detail counts as they may turn out to be the decisive factor in getting the offer.
As for how to equip oneself in the job searching process, Ms. Tsang believes that setting one’s own target and devoting oneself to it wholeheartedly is the correct way to go about it. She encouraged students to recognise their goals clearly. They can also collect industry information based on their own interests, and study the business models of different companies. The employers will appreciate the enthusiasm of the candidates, and applicants can avoid having a false expectation due to lack of understanding of the industry. In the end, she pointed out the following:
Face difficulties with a positive attitude, especially in the future which will be full of uncertainties and challenges. We should be flexible in dealing with adversity.
Grasp the opportunity to communicate with different people – Listen more, read more, and think more.
For work experience or extra-curricular activities – quality is more important than quantity. Concentrate on two to three activities which can reflect the in-depth learning and personal growth of the job seeker would be more valuable.