5 Career Fair Success Tips for Employers

If you’re like most hiring managers, your recruiting strategy involves a variety of sources for candidates, including career fairs. As one of the leading staffing agencies in Dade County, Future Force can tell you these fairs offer a great way for companies to find potential new hires, put a face on their employer brand, and fill the talent pipeline for future openings.

If you’re attending one soon, consider these career fair success tips to maximize your experience:

Tip #1: Image Is Everything

Well ahead of the planned career fair, make sure you have everything you need to create a strong, eye-catching presence at the event. Some questions to ask yourself:

  • Do you have a booth you’re planning on taking? If you are, you’ll need to ensure the size and specifications follows the guidelines from the fair’s venue.
  • What about promotional materials about your company? Are these already pre-printed or are you planning on distributing something new?
  • Do you have plenty of business cards on hand to give out to candidates, as well?
  • What about a nametag? You should plan to wear one.

Tip #2: Prep Yourself

Before the event, make sure you and any other company representatives familiarize yourself with the details of each position you’re trying to fill. Prepare a list of screening questions to ask for every opening. Don’t interrogate candidates with a laundry list of questions; but do spend a few minutes with each one to properly pre-qualify them. It will make your job much easier in the long run.

Also know how you plan to ask candidates to apply. For instance, will you simply ask for their resume, to complete an online form, or fill out a paper application?

Keep in mind too: You’ll be attracting a diverse group of candidates. So if you have hard-to-fill areas in your company, look for candidates with those niche skills sets. Even if you don’t have a current opening, you can develop a network of talent to tap into once you do.

Tip #3: Get There Early

Things don’t always happen as expected, which is why it’s important to get there early. You’re going to need enough time to find your space and set up – and the last thing you want is to be rushing around trying to put everything in it’s place when the candidates arrive. You’ll look unprofessional – and unorganized, which reflects poorly on your company.

Tip #4: Show Plenty of Enthusiasm

Your goal at a career fair is to find great candidates. But if you’re sitting around looking bored, then you’re not representing your company or your job openings well. While it can certainly be a long day, it’s important to show plenty of enthusiasm throughout.

Tip #5: Follow Up

If you promise to follow up with certain job candidates after the event, then be sure to keep your word. Candidates will remember the experience they have with you, whether it’s positive or negative.

Need more help sourcing candidates for your job openings? Contact Future Force. As one of the leading staffing agencies in Dade County, we’ve helped thousands of clients find qualified and reliable talent – with strong skills and the right attitudes – on a short-term, seasonal, and full-time basis. And we can help you too! Contact Future Force today to learn more.