Careers fairs are an extremely useful resource. They allow both employers and job seekers to engage with and learn more from each other. At the same time they provide a chance for your business to tell attendees about your company and the opportunities you have available.
While it is true that well-known brands seeking talented graduates are regulars at careers fairs, employers of all sizes are encouraged to attend. Whether your company is actively hiring or simply looking to spread the word about your business, attending a careers fair is the perfect opportunity.
Where are Careers Fairs Held?
Careers fairs typically take place within universities, giving students and graduates easy access to potential employers. Attending a careers fair at a university will provide your business with access to a talented, qualified, and eager talent pool. These students are keen to understand more about available opportunities following graduation.
Alongside university-run fairs, external companies such as Jobs Fair also organise careers fairs across the UK. Attending external-run careers fairs in the UK will give your business access to a wide range of candidates, some of whom may not have attended university.
What Do Careers Fairs Involve?
A careers fair will involve setting up a stand in a large hall with members of your team. Recruiters and human resources staff alongside new employees are typically in attendance. Attendees visit stalls that are of interest to them. They will chat informally and ask questions to team members who are representing the companies taking part.
This is an excellent opportunity to explain the positions available at your business and hand out promotional material to job seekers. Businesses will also have the chance to question interested candidates and scope out individuals that seem well suited to their company.
Virtual Careers Fairs
Over recent years and with advancements in technology, many careers fairs have moved online. While virtual careers fairs cannot facilitate in-person interactions with job seekers, they continue to be an essential resource for students and recent graduates seeking job opportunities. With people becoming increasingly used to connecting virtually, this method of conducting careers fairs has become quite popular.
Virtual careers fairs can be effective as a method of attracting students and recent graduates to your business despite being unable to meet with interested applicants in person. A range of virtual careers fairs is available, including those hosted by universities that aim to offer students extra support.
What Does a Virtual Careers Fair ‘Look Like’?
While there are different types of virtual career fairs, one of the most common forms is where attendees communicate with companies digitally through online chat or video calls. Attendees will often have a main page with general information about the careers fair. From there they have access to the various ‘exhibitor stands’. They can select your stand and communicate with you via video call or chat. Just like in-person careers fairs, there are also live sessions in the form of webinars and panel Q&As.
Companies often get the chance to preselect candidates they are most interested in, based on their profiles and CVs. This will help to ensure your business connects with the individuals most relevant to you. As a result of this unique feature, the virtual careers fair process can be very time-efficient for both parties compared to a traditional setting.
We’ve put together a guide full of tips for attracting students and graduates so you can make the most of your time at any careers fair.
Why Attend a Careers Fair
There are many reasons why attending a careers fair as an employer makes sense for student and graduate recruitment. Apart from gaining access to a large talent pool of interested candidates, you also get the chance to advertise your business. You can speak one-on-one with potential candidates and build your company’s network of contacts.
Check out our dedicated guide for additional information on Why you should attend a careers fair.
Interested in finding out more? Developing a Student is packed with help and advice for employers. Be sure to check out our services page for information on advertising on our specialist Graduate and Student jobs board, creating a company profile, and more.
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