Whether you’re participating in a career fair now or sometime throughout the year, a career fair can be a great way to brand your company and meet potential candidates. We’ve created and attended numerous career fairs and believe or not, there is a method to getting the most out of these events. Take a look at a few of our top suggestions.
The Right Career Fair: Much like the real estate, “Location. Location. Location,” career fairs follow that same concept. It’s all about which job fairs you attend that will determine your success. Evaluate your business needs first to decide which ones to attend. If you’re unsure, connect with other colleagues or consult with an expert to find the best job fairs for your business.
Organization & Branded Setup: Booths or tables that are organized with career information and materials as well as branded company materials are essential. Today, we live in a world where branding is key to getting top talent. Let’s face it, candidates, especially good ones, will flock to a booth or table that is branded with the great information. Be sure to take the time to order the booth setup, signage, brochures, applications, giveaways, staffing, whatever is needed. If not, you might miss a great opportunity to connect with a fair amount of candidates.
Staffing: Nothing is worse when a table or booth in a career fair is understaffed. What about empty? Yikes. Yes, we’ve seen it before and so have you I’m sure. That doesn’t make it right. Take the time and assign the right people representing your organization to meet more candidates. Use diverse staff members at your table/booth from different department and backgrounds.
Engagement/Interaction: The more you actively participant and interact at any event the better. Avoid sitting at a table or behind a booth and look for ways to interact. Depending on the event and the attendance, companies and hiring managers can get really creative with this process, the point is to use different ways to connect. If the event lacks the energy, create your own and engage the candidates. The more you engage, the better success you’ll have.
Open Positions: Do you clearly have information stating your open positions? Do you have a process that allows candidates to apply in person? Whatever you decide, be very clear with the candidates and clearly explain which positions you’re seeking and how to apply. Do you have a process in place to flag potential candidates attending the job fair? These questions are necessary to consider when planning. If not properly considered, candidates will most likely get annoyed.
Social Media: Most hiring managers should know by now that Millennials like their social media. They, in particular, will want to socially connect with your team and your company. Be prepared to offer your connections via LinkedIn, Twitter or other industry social networks that make sense in your business. Make sure your company’s social brands are prominent as well. Not being social during career fairs is a “no no” so make an effort to connect with all candidates in multiply ways, in person and online.
Participating in these fairs is the best way to brand your company and meet a fair amount of candidates. Don’t take these events lightly. If you’re challenged with getting better results when attending career fairs, contact a reputable recruiting firm that can help you maximize all your efforts.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR, Ingrid Moore
Ingrid Moore is the Founder and CEO of Corporate Resources of Illinois, an employment & staffing agency withover 20+years’ experience located in Schaumburg, IL. Ingrid and her team assist employers with finding the right hire for their business. For more info, follow us on our LinkedIn Company Page, or follow us Corporate Resources of Illinois‘s Google+ page.
