by Janette Waldron

Created on: February 11, 2010

Job fairs can be a successful endeavour if planned well. They aid in uniting prospective employers with qualified candidates and so much more. Job fairs allow those seeking work the chance to learn about a host of varied career opportunities. Therefore job fairs are basically worth their weight in gold. On the other hand, job fairs can be a total waste of time if not presented well showing quality employment prospects. They can be a failure if the venue location is not chosen well or poorly advertised. Read on to learn how to host the ideal job fair.

1) Decide on what type of job fair you intend to hold. Be specific as to what job type this will cover. One specific job type would be better than focusing on a medley of them. Teaching, nursing etc, focusing on newly graduated or soon to be graduated college students. Now within your advertising fliers etc invite companies which may be looking to fill some entry level positions. Perchance you are contemplating a job fair for non-degree individuals. If you are, send out invitations to local retailers who are seeking employees.

2) Select a date which does not clash with anything of importance happening in that same area such as a music festival, car rally etc. Now choose your location well, ensure that your guests will know exactly how to get there. If hiring a hall, secure a location with ample room for the number of people you expect to be present. If hiring a hall, make arrangements for tables, chairs etc. Perchance you may need small interview rooms as well. Hotels are the ideal venues for job fairs, they usually offer a good range of meeting spaces.

3) Make a list of employers, public speakers and so forth who you wish to invite. Contact them well in advance about the job fair and keep in contact regularly to remind them about it, but don’t become overbearing. If your job fair is in regards to nursing for example, contact clinics, hospitals etc and any local organization which focuses on nursing abilities, which may be looking for employees. If your fair is for teachers, contact private schools, public schools, colleges and so forth.

4) Advertise well, more so to the prospective employers you are targeting. If you are hoping to gain the interest of college students print out fliers and hand them around the campus, get some eye catching posters printed and hang them where college students are more likely to notice them. Talk to professors and the college students personally as well as the career service centre. Ensure that your advertising grasps the attention of those you wish to attend your job fair.

5) Timing is crucial, so time your career fair so that you will gain the maximum amount of visitors. If your career fair is open to the public, summer evenings would be your best time option.

6) Place your fliers in high traffic areas, notice boards at local malls etc. Regular advertising on local radio or television is another good option.

7) Smooth traffic flow is gained by arranging groups and their recruiting materials well. Your representatives should have tables for booths and be set up professionally.

8) Include and extend a hearty welcome to all community companies and guest.

9) Introduce yourself to potential employers at least a month prior to your job fair and have them confirm that they will be attending. Within your fliers ensure that you mention what attendees should wear and bring, copies of resumes etc.

10) Thank all guests and representatives etc for attending.

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