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Making the Most of the Job Fair: Some insider advice

Whether your business has participated in many job fairs or is a newcomer, our on-site event coordinator, Barb Retherford, has some advice on how to make the most of the experience. While Barb has experience working with businesses at the Jefferson County Workforce Center, the majority of her experience comes from over 20 years as a human resources professional in the hospitality industry. Translation: she really gets it. Read on to find out how to make the most of your job fair experience.

Lots of applications and business cards

There is nothing more frustrating than not having enough applications or business cards. It is better to have leftovers than to be shorthanded. Sometimes job seekers will take more than one to ensure they submit an error free application. Keep those stacks full!

Be specific about job openings, qualifications, and benefits

Job seekers want to know about real job openings, specific qualifications, and benefits. Flyers with job specifics, qualifications, and benefits go a long way toward attracting applicants and saving you from repeating basic information. Sometimes it is even helpful to have copies of flyers that job seekers may take with them.

Close the deal

As a job seeker leaves the table, be sure they know what will happen next. Often times, job seekers feel like they will get lost in the shuffle. If you are clear about next steps, job seekers will be more eager about your company and its job opportunities.

Everyone loves STUFF!

Whether it’s a little treat that holds off hunger pains or a fun give away that might make a five-year-old’s day, everyone loves free stuff. From pens to stress balls to chocolate (Costco and Sam’s Club), businesses with eye catching doodads and candy are sure to attract more job seekers.  At the Youth Job Fair, one of the businesses had a huge display of cotton candy which immediately caught everyone’s eye. In addition, free stuff is a great opportunity for free advertising

Be Prepared & Look Good

Think of your Job Fair table as a mini-storefront and put your best foot forward. Businesses that attract job seekers have colorful yet professional displays with lots of information about the company, its benefits, and its job openings. In order to take full advantage of the event, arrive on time so you can be set up when the job seekers arrive. Frequently, job seekers are lined up waiting for the fair to open In addition, bring supplies such as tape, scissors, paperclips, and file folders so you can keep your mini-storefront neat and organized.

Be positive and proactive

Nothing attracts people to a table like a friendly, high-energy person on the other side. Job fairs are about people connecting with people so make sure you are doing your best to be positive. If job seekers seem reluctant to approach your table, get out in front and approach them. Sometimes job seekers make assumptions about a company and its needs so they do not stop by to chat. The more proactive you are the better your chances of finding the right people.

Stay the course

While the activity at a job fair may ebb and flow, do not be tempted to leave early. Job seekers may come later in the day due to childcare arrangements or other commitments. There is nothing worse for a job seeker than to find that the one company they really wanted to talk with decided to leave a bit early.