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Preparing for Success: A Pre-Job Fair Checklist for Employers
You’ve registered for a local job fair, you’re ready to meet and local candidates, but how do you ensure the investment will be a success? Job fairs are a great way to access a wide range of candidates in one space, and there can be many benefits to participating. Seeing results from a job fair doesn't happen by chance; it requires forethought and planning. To help employers make the most of their local job fair participation, here’s a step-by-step pre-job checklist to set you up for success.
- Define Your Recruitment Goals
Before diving in too deep, take a 30,000-foot view and define your recruitment goals. What positions are you looking to fill? What skills and qualifications are essential for these roles? Do you have job descriptions written and ready to share? Clear job descriptions and candidate criteria form the foundation of your job fair strategy. - Attract the Right Audience
Each job fair is unique, and some cater to specific industries or demographics. Talk to a Workforce Solutions recruiter to find an event that makes the most sense for your goals. You will want to ensure the demographics of the attendees and the number of expected job seekers are a strategic fit. The recruiter will help to promote and recruit attendees with skills that match what you’re looking for, so don’t skip this step. - Plan the Booth
Your booth is the first impression candidates will have of your company, so invest in a few eye-catching materials (and order them with enough time to have them delivered before the event!). This may include:- Banners or signage with the company’s logo and branding.
- Brochures that highlight company culture, values, and job opportunities.
- Have plenty of business cards to distribute.
- Consider incorporating interactive elements like presentations or games on a laptop or tablet.
- Need more ideas? Check out these trade show booth tips!
- Choose Booth Staff
Select your booth staff carefully! They should be knowledgeable about the company and any open positions, and they should be able to answer candidate questions. Ideally, they should be outgoing and open to engaging with candidates and other businesses. - Develop a Resume Collection System
Digital or paper? Have a system in place for collecting and organizing candidate resumes. This might include using tablets or smartphones to digitize resumes or designated folders to collect physical resumes for different positions. - Prepare Interview Questions
If you plan to conduct on-the-spot interviews, prepare a set of interview questions relevant to the position. - Plan a Follow-Up Strategy
Yes, before you even leave for the job fair, create a follow-up strategy for connecting with promising candidates. Decide on the best way to follow up, whether it’s through email, phone calls, or setting up an in-person meeting. Assign someone to make sure follow-ups are completed. - Test the Technology
If you have a video presentation or any kind of tech you plan to use at the event, test it in the days leading up to the event to avoid technical glitches that day. Will you need extra batteries, or will you have access to power on-site? Check before the event. - Have a Pre-job Fair Huddle
If you’re taking promotional materials like branded pens, notebooks, or tote bags, get them packed and ask one person to be responsible for transporting them. Run through a few practice interactions with the booth staff to make sure they feel comfortable answering questions and explaining job openings. This helps everyone get on the same page and delivers a consistent message. - Create Backup Plans
What happens if the swag-transporter has a fender bender, or the company laptop won’t power up? Prepare for the unexpected and be flexible on the day of the event. Have backup plans where possible in case of unforeseen challenges, such as technical issues, booth location changes, or changes in staff availability.
Job fairs can be a lot of fun, and they’re a way for companies to connect with the local workforce in a positive, one-on-one environment. Following these steps can help you engage with job seekers confidently, showcase the company effectively, and identify top talent that aligns with your recruitment goals.
Workforce Solutions hosts job fairs across the Houston area. To get in on the fun, check the events calendar for upcoming job fairs and contact jobs@wrksolutions.com or 713-688-6890 to sign up!