How to Organize a Successful Job Fair

Job fairs can be successful as they unite prospective employers with qualified candidates. Attending a job fair is ideal for someone who is looking for work and wants the opportunity to learn about a variety of different job opportunities and can be extremely worthwhile. On the other hand, a job fair can be a complete waste of time if it does not have quality employment prospects, is held at poor location or is not advertised well.

Instructions

1. Decide on the type of job fair you want to hold. Unless you plan to organize a massive fair, narrow down your program to a specific job type, such as nursing or teaching, or organize the fair for newly graduated or soon-to-be graduating college students, to which you invite companies looking to fill entry-level positions. Another type of fair is one for non-degreed individuals, for which you would invite local retailers looking to hire.

2. Decide on a date and location for your job fair. Set the date well in advance so you have time to advertise it. Secure a location with plenty of room for the number of employers you plan to invite. Make arrangements for tables and chairs or indicate that employers should bring their own. Also, decide if you will need a location with separate rooms for interviews. Hotels are great spaces for job fairs because they usually have plenty of meeting space available.

3. Make a list of the employers you want to invite and contact them about the job fair. If you are holding a fair for nurses, for example, contact hospitals, clinics, urgent care locations and any other local organization looking to employ nurses. If your fair is for teachers, contact public schools, private schools and community colleges. For retail positions, contact local retail store managers. Making targeted choices appropriate for your job fair will help with its success.

4. Advertise the job fair to the prospective employee group you are targeting. If you are targeting college students, spread the word at college campuses, hang posters, and talk to professors and the career service center. Make sure to advertise specifically to the type of people you are trying to attract to your job fair. Listing reputable companies that will be present at the fair helps draw in good candidates.

5. Confirm with employers two weeks before the fair to make sure they are coming.

Tips & Warnings

• When advertising, inform people what to wear and bring (e.g., "Bring copies of your resume and dress professionally").

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish