Much has been written about how to stand out at a job fair as an applicant, but when you are heading to one as an employer, you also need to be sure you differentiate yourself from the other companies present. While there will be plenty of people at the job fair willing to take any work available to them, you want to attract the best. Here are some ways to present your company as THE employer of choice at your next hiring event.
1. Choose the Right Events
Job fairs come in all shapes and sizes, and you’ll waste time and effort if you go to one targeting the wrong candidates. Choose a venue that attracts the type of employees you’re hoping to hire for your open positions. Here are some options to consider:
- Local career fairs: A workplace development center in your area may host career fairs for local employers, which works well if you are targeting a specific geographic area.
- Private events: Private event companies often host career fairs, and these can be quite beneficial. However, do your homework before booking to verify whether the event is a right-fit for your industry or location.
- Invitation-only fairs: Invitation-only career fairs are great if you want to meet qualified candidates. These events pre-screen resumes and pre-qualify attendees.
- University career fairs: If you want a recent graduate or are hiring for an entry-level position, head to your local college or university and attend its career fair.
- Virtual career fair: A virtual job fair takes place using live-stream technology, rather than inviting candidates and employers to meet in a physical location. If you have a wide geographic location you want to target, this can be a good way to do it effectively.
Each of these types of job fairs can be beneficial. Find the one that best meets your needs and start planning!
2. Know your Needs
To make the most out of an employment fair, go into it with a clear understanding of what you need. Which positions are you trying to fill, and what kinds of candidates will fill them well? Have a detailed list of positions and the requirements for those positions.
If you have any opportunities that will be hard to fill, such as those requiring very niche skills, make sure your representatives understand the requirements. There will be many different genres of candidates at the fair, and you want to quickly ascertain whether someone is a good fit.
3. Set up a Professional Booth
The look of your booth says a lot about your company and its level of professionalism. It also plays a role in how quickly you grab the attention of good candidates.
Make sure your booth is a professional representation of your business. Use your in-house marketing and/or creative services department or retain a third party graphic designer, trade show booth design firm, and/or marketing agency to brand your booth, print materials, and create the media you need to present yourself well.
4. Print your Materials and Order your Swag
Promotional materials are important when you represent your business at a career fair as an employer. Remember, you may not be in a position to take applications, or interested candidates may not be prepared with an application when they come to your booth. Having promotional items to hand potential candidates will keep your name top of mind after the fair. Business cards are great, but they are easily lost. Consider also offering something practical, such as:
- Pens
- Refrigerator magnet clips
- Wearable items
- Koozies
- Frisbee discs and other toys
Brand these items with your logo and contact information. Even if the person who takes the promotional item doesn’t apply for a position, someone else may see the item and contact you later. Don’t forget to include QR codes on your swag if possible. In addition to increasing the candidates’ engagement with your brand, QR codes reduce waste and increase the hiring event’s sustainability by driving the user to digital media rather than printed material.
5. Convey the Right Attitude
You are as important as your booth when it comes to career fairs. You need to have the right attitude to draw people to your company. When you are presenting, always stand, don’t sit. This makes it easier to engage with the people who visit your booth. Also, it can be hard for people to know who is a worker and who is an attendee at these events, so wear a branded nametag that not only says your name, but also what company you represent.
When people walk past your booth or into your display area, be inviting. Ask questions about what they’re seeking. Be enthusiastic about your company and what it can offer. Remember, you are branding your business with your very presence, so make sure you’re putting your best foot forward.
6. Host a Giveaway
People love getting free things when they attend a fair, so give into that desire. Host a giveaway and make sure the items are something worthwhile that will make people want to stop and complete a contact form for your business. After the career fair, review the contact information, use LinkedIn if necessary to do more research on potential candidates’ skills and experience, and follow up with those who might be a right fit for your team.
But wait, there’s more!
7. Act Fast
If you have a candidate that really stands out, chances are they stood out to someone else, too. Act quickly to ensure you can move forward with the candidate.
8. Consider Hybrid and Virtual Job Fair Options
While most of these tips are for in-person job fairs, don’t neglect planning for a virtual career fair. A virtual fair can help you meet candidates who aren’t in your geographic location. You can display the same enthusiasm you would use at an in-person event, but you will need to tailor your approach for the virtual event platform. For example, you can still host a giveaway, but you will have to ship the items. Make sure you’re prioritizing virtual career fairs that use state-of-the-art virtual event technology, and then tap into engagement tools to optimize the candidates’ experience with your brand.
Let 6Connex's Event Technology Lead the Way!
A hybrid event lets you combine the elements of an in-person job fair, including the eye-catching booth and the promotional items, with the elements of a virtual job fair. When attending a hybrid career fair, carefully balance these different platforms to better reach the most people.
If you are looking to host your own recruiting fair and need a platform to power a virtual or hybrid event, consider the virtual venue from 6Connex. With the right event tech integrations and engagement tools, you can successfully host a virtual or hybrid event that will reach your target employees and enable you to engage with them as effectively as possible.
