Job Fairs - Are they Worth it?

Plenty of people will tell you that job fairs are obsolete these days; a thing of the past with no real benefit in today’s world. We believe this is not true: meeting and interacting with recruiters face to face is still a critical part of the job search process. Career fairs offer you a unique opportunity to meet with many company representatives in one day, and furthermore they allow you to make personal connections which are not possible when you submit a resume online;

A job fair is also known as a career fair or career expo, and is almost like speed dating for companies and job seekers. This is an event at which employers, recruiters, and schools give out information to potential employees. Job Seekers who attend these events attempt to make a good impression on potential co-workers, fill out applications and resumes, and ask questions in order to get a feel for prospective employers.

Job fairs at college

In colleges it is fairly common to see job fairs held to advertise entry-level roles to soon-to-be graduates. Job seekers will use this opportunity to make a good impression early and stand out from the crowd.

Career expos usually include a booth or table set up by the company where resumes can be handed in, and business cards can be exchanged. Often these job fairs will be sponsored by career centers and as such they provide a convenient location to meet employers and even have first interviews. This is also an opportunity for companies to find out what new graduates are looking for in an employer.

Job fairs online

Online job fairs are a more convenient and accessible version of the normal career fair; this is an online, virtual platform through which employers and potential employees can interact. Such an event can offer many benefits such as video conferences, seminars, online chats, and downloadable material. It doesn’t, of course, offer the same chance to meet with people face to face, but many people will go on to try “real life” job fairs after attending online expos.

What is your experience of job fairs? Let us know in the comments box.