Why Use Virtual Job Fairs?
A virtual job fair is a cost-effective, efficient way for the job seeker and the employers to find qualified matches with openings available in the job market. A virtual job fair uses modern technology to create an environment that is much like a traditional job fair through the use of video chat, the uploading of documents and the ability to pre-screen individuals.
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Function
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The virtual job fair has transcended the traditional job fair and uses modern technology to match prospective employees with employers. Online job fairs can run 24 hours a day, seven days a week for as long as needed. With the many tools available for searching and building, it is convenient for the job seeker and the businesses seeking employees.
Benefits
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Send your resume to multiple prospective employers without leaving your home. Chat with Human Resource Representatives from the companies you are interested in. As an employer, you can receive resumés from interested candidates that are pre-qualified for the open positions. By using the multiple tools that are available such as work history, skills and certification forms in addition to resumé uploading and video uploading, job-seekers and companies can put their best foot forward.
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Types
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There are virtual job fairs that run for a specific time period, just as a "real" job fair would. These job fairs will often have the greatest amount of live personal support available via chat rooms, video chat and telephone. There are also virtual job fairs that will run 24/7 for several days or weeks at a time. This type of job fair may have less live support or only have it during specific hours.
Considerations
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Using a virtual job fair gives the job-seeker a greater breadth of potential employers. If the job fair is with one particular company at a certain time, come prepared, just as you would to a real job fair. Have your work history, references and resumé all on hand. Be prepared to ask and answer questions regarding the company or companies you are interested in.
Warnings
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Employer using a virtual job fair system can create annoying or even self-defeating occurrences. For example, using auto-response emails that may never reach the candidate because of spam blockers and other email filters. As a candidate, it is important to understand that these system use this type of automation and to not take the take lack of personalization personally, but to set your email filter settings appropriately, so as to not miss any important follow-up correspondence.
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References
- Photo Credit key handshake image by Andrey Kiselev from Fotolia.com
