Whether you’re a university, workforce development agency, or professional association, virtual career fairs can be a great way to reach out to potential employees and showcase your employer brand. However, if you’re hosting your first virtual job fair, the process can be a bit intimidating.
Once you’ve determined which companies and organizations you want to participate, it’s time to get the logistics in order. Choose a virtual job fair software platform that supports your goals and will help you make the process as smooth as possible. A good platform will be stable and easy to navigate and provide you with tools for promoting your event (including chat rooms, branded booths, and job boards) as well as reporting on key metrics after the event is over.
Then, set a date and schedule your virtual fair—be sure to take time zones and working hours into account. Once the fair is over, follow up with thank-you emails and calls to action based on the next steps for each attendee. Remember that virtual job fair attendees typically convert into hires at higher rates than traditional candidates, so it’s important to keep track of the percentage that progresses through the hiring funnel after chatting with employers.
As a participant, be prepared to treat a virtual career fair with the same level of professionalism as an in-person event. Be dressed in business attire, join from a distraction-free environment, and be ready to demonstrate your knowledge of the company’s mission and the types of jobs they have available. You should also do some research ahead of time to prepare for conversations with individual employers, including researching their products and services, their location, and any recent news coverage.