Job fairs give candidates and employers the chance to meet and learn about each other. Since the pandemic, these events have morphed from strictly in-person, to a virtual format that recruits top talent who seeks engagement.
What are the new trends for job fairs?
New trends for job fairs involve technology which allows these events to be more interactive and flexible. Since candidates can attend from anywhere, they typically use mobile devices to immediately apply and interview with different employers. According to a McKinsey & Company article, titled, “What is Gen Z?” explains how this digital native generation has grown up with technology, and will often turn to online information.
Some ways employers are increasing their outreach directly to applicants during a job fair can often include:
Private Chatbox - When a job candidate has questions they can privately talk to a company representative through a chatbox. This allows for a personal response where the job seeker can get more specific information about the company and the application process.
QR Codes - Also known as quick response codes, allow job candidates to scan a QR code to get the job description and application for an open position. This usually allows the recruiter to get faster responses for jobs that need to be filled immediately.
Virtual Interviews - When a job seeker is an ideal match, recruiters generally have some time dedicated to doing a short initial interview during the job fair. This gives the applicant a chance to discuss their background and for the recruiter to get a snapshot of the current talent pool.
Swag Bags - Instead of the typical ballpoint pen or coffee cup swag that can be picked up from a booth, employers are offering digital products that can be emailed to job seekers. This usually includes infographics, brochures, videos, and guides.
How do these new methods help job candidates?
The flexibility of not having to attend an in-person job fair allows job seekers to be more efficient when seeking out their next career opportunity. Other helpful benefits include:
More efficiency - Candidates can focus on certain jobs instead of visiting every booth
Expedited tracking - Applicants can often track their application through the process
Faster feedback - Allows for more detailed feedback instead of group discussions
Candidate Experience - Can usually participate in a live event feed to meet attendees
Eco friendly - Job candidates avoid driving their car to the event and paper brochures
Ways employers can use job fair information for recruiting
Effective use of the information utilized at a job fair can help make the recruiting process an easier one. This data can be organized using:
Applicant Tracking System (ATS) - Job seekers who enter their information directly into an ATS helps recruiters capture the data faster without a lot of extra work to narrow down the list of candidates who are the best fit.
Smart Matchmaking - Job candidates and recruiters can find each other at a job fair with smart matchmaking. This allows the job seeker to answer a series of questions. When those responses match an employer’s responses, a timed video interview is usually scheduled to continue the conversation.
Immediate Feedback - Getting immediate feedback from job candidates helps recruiters understand what works during a job fair to see what resonates the most. Then they are able to tailor future job fairs to serve job seekers they want to reach in the future.
Benefits for employers who recruit new hires during a job fair
There are many benefits for employers to recruit new hires during a job fair that will make their return on investment worth participating in the event.
According to vFairs the typical in-person job fair can often cost between $23,633 to $42,378. This cost can vary based on the venue, marketing, staffing, and parking. Compared to approximately $15,000 for a virtual event that has no physical components involved. Additional factors that recruiters also consider include:
Cost Effective - According to data from the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM), the cost of each executive new hire averaged $28,329 in April of 2022. This amount equals what an entire job fair costs in order to hire multiple employees from one event.
Better Outreach - In addition to job seekers who attend your event, you could also attract family and friends who pass along job information to potential candidates. This can help to expand outreach and possibly discover new hires for your team.
Company Branding - If you do either a physical, or virtual job fair, having the opportunity to share your company brand elevates your standing. As many job seekers want to know more about your reputation, charitable initiatives, and overall connection to the community.