How to Improve Hosting a Job Fair

Improve the job fair by informing guests of where to go once they arrive.

A job fair is a gathering of companies that come together to present the business and allow individuals to visit, ask questions and possibly apply for a job. Guests often include students, unemployed people and individuals who want a career change or a new job. Job fairs are often hosted on college campuses or by community centers. To improve hosting a job fair, you must contact the director's office at the location where the job fair is held to offer and implement your improvements and suggestions.

Instructions

1. Set a date for the job fair months before you intend to conduct it. The earlier you set the date, the bigger chance that companies can make room for the job fair in their calendars. The College Board website says that job fairs are often held during the fall, so set the date in the late spring or early summer, so you have time to spread the word.

2. Make a budget that allows you to offer some tables, water bottles and finger foods for guests and companies at the job fair. Making people feel welcome and taken care of can highly improve the job fair and the amount of people who show up. The examples mentioned above are common expenses, according to the College Board website.

3. Send invitations to the companies you definitely want at the job fair. Send the invitations early, so the companies can make time to come out to the fair. If they have not responded, make follow-up calls to ensure the invitations have made their way to the proper people.

4. Inform company representatives of the booth space and services available at the job fair. For example, you do not want a company to show up with DVDs and laptops if no Wi-Fi or DVD players are available. Provide a list of services and let the companies choose which services they want to use.

5. Allow yourself time to market the job fair. If it is being held on a college campus, put up posters and fliers so students know the job fair is coming up. Also use the local community network, such as restaurants and libraries. Do not underestimate word-of-mouth marketing, so ask friends and family to inform unemployed workers and students of the fair.

6. Show up the day of the job fair to improve the arrangement and operations. Help companies set up their booths, and answer any questions there might be. Provide a map of the fair to the students, so they can easily locate the companies they have come to talk to. Be as proactive as you can the day of the fair to improve the overall experience of everyone involved.

References

• College Board: Conducting a College Fair
• Hawaii Edu: Creating a Successful Career Booth
• Cornell Career: Displays