How to Set Up a Job Fair
Job fairs provide a one-stop forum for jobseekers to meet multiple potential employers. Employers participate in job fairs as a function of recruitment, taking advantage of the opportunity to meet qualified applicants and promote their companies. Many organizations hold job fairs, including educational institutions, community development organizations, workforce development agencies and for-profit businesses that specialize in job or career fairs. Job fairs may include companies with actual openings, or the event may function as a networking opportunity.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Pencils
- Paper
- Notebooks
- Files
- Posterboard
- Tables
- Chairs
- Adhesive Badges
Instructions
-
-
1
Set up a committee to help with the work and planning. Develop a plan and assign tasks to committee members. Locate volunteers to work the job fair. Determine the expenses for the job fair, develop a budget and identify funding sources.
-
2
Determine the jobseeker group you will target–college graduates or skilled labor, professional or technical workers. Targeting can increase the number of participants and their satisfaction with the job fair by ensuring good matches between potential employers and jobseekers.
-
-
3
Find a location and reserve a date and time. Check the facility’s restrooms, emergency exits and overall appearance. Sign a contract detailing use of facility and the services facility management will provide. Use a facility that can provide tables and chairs.
-
4
Create registration forms for employers and jobseekers. Create survey forms to be used after the event. Make signage to provide directions outside and inside the location. Purchase ID labels for jobseekers to use and purchase pens and paper to have on hand at the fair.
-
5
Contact employers that are appropriate for your targeted jobseekers. Post notices in local newspapers, business journals, and trade or professional publications. Ask participating employers to complete registration forms.
-
6
Advertise in local newspapers and periodicals, business journals, online media, television community announcement listings, colleges, universities and business schools. Include a list of participating employers, contact information and information for jobseekers about what to bring and how to dress.
-
7
Design a layout for the job fair that includes a registration table at the entrance, placement of directional signs, placement of tables and aisle width. Assign each employer a table and note the assignments on the plan. Block off an area for interviews.
-
8
Set up the facility using the plan the night before the job fair. Check lights, restrooms, trash receptacles and the general appearance and cleanliness of the facility. Place all signs and set up the registration table. Meet with volunteers to ensure they have their assignments and badges to identify them as volunteers.
-
9
Arrive early on the day of the job fair. Bring copies of the layout plan, signs and supplies, completed registration forms and the contract for use of the facility. Leave the facility in excellent condition and follow up with management.
-
10
Ask participants to complete a brief survey to assess satisfaction with the job fair. Follow up with participants to gauge the success of the job fair. Use the surveys and follow-up information to plan your next job fair.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Partner with a local organization, agency or nonprofit organization. Foundations may provide small grants to nonprofit organizations to cover job fair expenses.
Check with facility management to ensure that required permits are acquired and ask about the occupancy allowed. Ask if a representative will be on site during the event and get contact information for emergencies.
References
- Photo Credit jobs image by Ewe Degiampietro from Fotolia.com
