Job fairs, whether in-person or virtual, are an excellent opportunity for HR leaders and recruiters to meet with potential candidates and build a pipeline of talent for their organizations. However, with so many candidates to talk to and limited time available, it's essential to utilize their time and efforts wisely.
To make the most of these events, HR leaders and recruiters can adopt a strategic approach that includes preparing in advance, focusing on the most promising candidates and following up in a timely and professional manner. Below, a group of Forbes Human Resources Council members shares these and other practical tips for HR leaders and recruiters who want to maximize their limited time at job fairs and attract top talent for their organizations.
Members pictured from left to right.
Photos courtesy of individual members.1. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity
HR leaders and recruiters play an essential role at job fairs, whether they're taking place in-person or virtually. To make the most of their time and efforts, it is important to prioritize quality over quantity when connecting with potential candidates. Networking with individuals that show a genuine interest in the employer's opportunities ensures more meaningful conversations and interactions. - Jennifer Patterson, Patterson Consulting Group
2. Create A Plan Beforehand
Use time wisely at an in-person or virtual job fair by creating a clear and specific plan beforehand. Engaging with candidates by actively listening to their questions and responding with enthusiasm and clarity. Use technology for virtual job fairs to conduct live chats with candidates. They can also use platforms like LinkedIn et al to promote the job fair and attract qualified candidates. - Bala Sathyanarayanan, Greif Inc
3. Be Genuine And Caring
Remember every interaction matters and so it means that everyone who attends has to be focused on creating the best experience for those who show interest in you. We often forget how impactful our roles are in HR and Talent. You can change someone's career with the right exchange at your booth. It has a lot of meaning. So be present, have fun and, most importantly, be genuine and caring. - Jonathan Reyes, Reejig Corp
4. Build Your Brand
Look at job fairs as networking events and brand builders for you and the candidates. Even if a candidate is not a fit for your organization, they may tell a friend to check out your company if they have a good conversation and impression. Make sure you network with other companies too. They may send a candidate to you that isn't a fit for them but might be for you. - Amy Casciotti, TechSmith Corporation
5. Host An Info Session
Offer coffee chats and info sessions prior to an event to establish a proactive relationship. During the event, a connection has already been established, and an in-person meet and greet can be conversational! - Britton Bloch, Navy Federal
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6. Leverage Technology
Plan ahead by curating your connections, ensure your roles are published for the ease of the candidates who want to apply and set up meetings ahead of time if at all possible. Leverage technology by placing iPads out front to allow people to register, sign up for updates and apply with ease on the spot. Engage and connect with everyone and view them as part of your future workforce! - Julie Hankins, NNIT
7. Evaluate Candidates Holistically
Each of these recruitment channels serves a specific purpose. If you truly want to spend your time wisely during a recruitment session then be present, focus on what the candidate has to offer and evaluate them holistically and not only from the perspective of the role at hand. Do not let fatigue or bias of other interviews cloud your judgment and most importantly look for selecting, not rejecting cues. - Rohit Manucha, SIH AGH
8. Reach Out To Candidates In Advance
Don’t just show up, throw some branded pens on your table and wait for candidates to come. Find opportunities to connect with the candidates you seek in advance. For example, prior to a university job fair, reach out to the office responsible for internship coordination. They may send your information out beforehand or provide a list of potential interns to contact. - Lisa Shuster, iHire
9. Move Quickly And Take Breaks
Know what jobs you are recruiting for and be ready to quickly review resumes and ask pertinent questions to your candidates to determine if they may be a good fit for any of the open positions. Prepare to move quickly, but also ensure you have multiple recruiters to talk to all candidates. Take breaks when you need to and drink lots of water! - Erin ImHof, CertiK
10. Know What Roles You Want To Fill
In job fairs, like at networking events, the power is in preparing beforehand and following up afterward because the "during" part is bound to get busy quickly. Understanding the specific roles you are looking to fill and the type of candidates you need helps you filter out top-priority candidates. Having a way to get their details after helps you get the most out of it for everyone involved. - Nick Frey, Avomind
11. Be Appreciative And Present
People are genuinely interested in your company. They are taking time out of their day to meet you and learn about the opportunities that you have. You have to be present and give them the attention that they deserve and provide them with a memorable experience. This memorable experience, even if they are not directly interested, will possibly encourage them to share with their network! - Omar Alhadi, Adobe Care and Wellness
12. Showcase Your Brand
In-person and virtual job fairs are an amazing opportunity to showcase your employer's brand. We encourage our recruiters to learn about other companies, make candidate intros to other recruiters and share in the community that is in place during job fairs. I've never regretted paying it forward to support a person in finding the best place for their career, even if it's not with my company. - Jessica Wallen, Wurl, LLC
13. Provide Transparent Job Information
Transparency with the job requirements, as well as the pay range, increases efficiency in the hiring process when a large volume of people are interested in a position. Providing clear information will quickly cut down the eligible and interested applicants and serves as a first round of hiring. - Laura Spawn, Virtual Vocations, Inc.
14. Develop An Ideal Candidate Profile
Most job fairs target a specific population like undergraduate students or veterans. To maximize the payoff, recruiters should prepare by developing a profile of the ideal candidate and managing their time appropriately at the event. If wait times grow longer and do not allow a conversation with every potential hire, recruiters can collect resumes and only reach out to select talent afterward. - Niki Jorgensen, Insperity
15. Have Fun And Make Connections
People are attracted to engaged, energetic people who are passionate about their company. It is a soft skill that is overlooked. Be relatable and connect to interested parties where their goals meet with your company. - Patricia Sharkey, Sharkey HR Consulting, LLC
