It's that time of the year again and careers fairs around the country are in full swing. 

Careers fairs are an essential part of the graduate journey. They are a highly effective way for employers to:

• Introduce an organisation to prospective students
• Inform students of opportunities within an organisation
• Publicise recruitment activities and distribute informational materials
• Increase students'awareness of an organisation

Check out our inforgraphic on how to make the most of your time that you have face-to-face with students.

Which employers they rate, how to get their attention and who they trust, for a start.

Each year our Great Grad Survey sets out to discover the answers to these questions so that employers can adopt a more considered approach to their graduate attraction strategies.

This year we spoke to over 5,500 students to find out, amongst other things, when and where they look for jobs, what information they find valuable and who they believe are the top employer brands in Australia. Google and Apple step aside!

If you're looking to change the way you communicate with students on campus, online and in print, these results will help you rethink your strategy in line with a graduate experience that attracts, inspires and retains top talent in 2013 and beyond.

Here's a snapshot of what we found:

The 24th Annual AAGE Graduate Recruitment & Development Conference begins tomorrow so in the lead up we've been giving you all the tips and tricks you need so you can make the most out of your conference experience.

We know some of you are unable to attend the Conference, but not too worry we'll be sending out daily updates of what's happening so you don't miss out and so that those who do attend get a great wrap up of the daily events.

Career Limiting Moves

There are all different types of behaviours that can fall into the category of career limiting. Having too many drinks at the office Christmas party, being chronically late or spending hours updating your Facebook while at work are just a few things that might make career progression slightly harder.

Embrace behaviour at the Conference that will help build your personal brand, reputation and relationships, in a positive and professional way.

From first impressions, to creating conversation and building rapport, every time you come into contact with others build an authentic and positive representation of yourself.

Our words of wisdom to avoid CLMs at the AAGE Conference:

• Be yourself - relax and be authentic.

• Don't burn yourself out - there's nothing worse than sounding stupid because you haven't fed your brain/body.

• Don't drink too much - alcohol that is!

• Keep your relationships professional.

Remember: what happens at the conference probably won't stay at the conference, so don't do anything that could be career limiting.

The 24th Annual AAGE Graduate Recruitment & Development Conference begins on Wednesday this week so in the lead up we are going to give you all the tips and tricks you need so you can make the most out of your conference experience.

We know some of you are unable to attend the Conference, but not too worry we'll be sending out daily updates of what's happening so you don't miss out and so that those who do attend get a great wrap up of the daily events.

What is "smart casual"?

The dress code for the AAGE Conference and social evening is "smart casual". 

According to Wikipedia "smart casual" refers to the "loosely defined dress code; casual, yet "smart" enough". But what does that actualy mean to you? What should you wear?

This is your opportunity to dress with a certain edge in your own personal style. Click here for examples of what to wear.

Our advice is remember that you are going to be active for most of the day, talking with delegetes, moving between workshops, and checking out expo stands. So make sure you:

• Wear comfortable shoes.

• Wear smart but comfortable clothing.

• Remember to eat!

• Drink tonnes of water.

The 24th Annual AAGE Graduate Recruitment & Development Conference begins next week so in the lead up we are going to give you all the tips and tricks you need so you can make the most out of your conference experience.

We know some of you are unable to attend the Conference, but not too worry we'll be sending out daily updates of what's happening so you don't miss out and so that those who do attend get a great wrap up of the daily events.

Your Elevator Pitch

Your elevator pitch is your 30 second short introduction of who you are and what you do.

At the Conference you will use your elevator pitch to quickly (in about one sentence) explain the who, what, when, where, and why of yourself and your organisation to a new acquaintance.

When creating and delivering your elevator pitch there are 4 key components to bear in mind:

• Keep it short. Be succinct. According to Wikipedia, an adult's attention span is eight seconds, so be sure to give just enough information (and more importantly perhaps the right information) so that after only hearing a sentence or two, someone knows what you do.

• Have a hook. Make people want to listen to you. You might need to change this hook according to who you are speaking with.

• Practice. Rehearse your elevator pitch so that when the opportunity to give it comes, you can deliver it smoothly.

• Listen. When seeking to build strong networks, remember it can be just as important to listen, as it is to talk.

If you need to create an Elevator Pitch click here to use the Harvard Elevator Pitch Builder.