12 Eye-Catching Job Fair Ideas
4. Host micro workshops
Knowledge is power. Provide an opportunity for job fair attendees and presenters to attend quick discussions on local or nationwide hiring trends, how to develop and deliver a 30-second pitch, or a crash course in tools for public speaking.
Consider one-on-one coaching for updating a LinkedIn profile or formatting the job seeker’s portfolio to a blog. Invite hiring managers to facilitate topics that they’re comfortable with. Keep the dialogue light but focused. It’s great for networking and can serve as a non-threatening, small-group icebreaker.
At Peerspace, we love workshops! Check out our guides on writing workshop ideas / yoga workshop ideas / women’s empowerment workshop ideas
5. Consider booth layout
A standard 10×10 booth may be tight for some of your hiring companies. Consider that they’ll require ample room to display materials as well as to invite attendees inside, allowing them to have a brief conversation. There are no hard-fast rules for setup, so you can work with what your venue already has in most instances.
A good workaround: build several lounge spaces in the exhibit area for those who would like to conduct more extensive interviews. Out of all these job fair ideas, this one should be a priority!
6. Set up a print shop
Print is still alive and kicking! A practical job fair idea is to offer kiosks for potential hires to quickly create and print calling cards and resumes to distribute to potential employers.
Additionally, advertise that guests can print their resumes from a flash drive on-site for a fee. Yes, they should have it on hand already, but things happen. Besides, think of all the time we’d save in our lives if we didn’t have to make that one last stop.
7. Establish a prep station
No, not a toilet, although those should be well-marked, too. Offer a charging station for various phones, abundant water stations, comfortable seating, and refreshment break service. Include snack options that are fresh and light, nothing sticky or messy, and don’t forget to go heavy on decaffeinated beverages. Have a separate lounge for employers to avoid awkward interactions. Everyone should be able to take a breather and relax for a minute when they need to.
8. Prepare a tailored comfort kit
Offer a giveaway at the door for both attendees and employers: a recycled bag filled with mints (no gum!), lip balm, hand sanitizer, a mini first-aid kit, and a reusable water bottle. This is one of the more brilliant job fair ideas. Make sure you share the venue’s Wi-Fi password, too!
Give your vendors an additional marketing opportunity: invite them to donate branded items. They’ll see the value in spreading the word and providing your attendees with something memorable.
9. Snap headshots
Whether it’s due to reasons of time, money, or simply not appreciating the value, so many people don’t have headshots. Everyone comes to a job fair looking their best, so what better time to take a professional headshot? This could be a complimentary service or offered for a nominal fee.
Work with your vendor to ensure recipients will receive digital proofs within a reasonable amount of time. This is one of the most helpful job fair ideas for attendees, especially if they’re just starting their careers.
10. Go digital
There was a time when nothing beat face-to-face interaction. But nowadays, safety and efficiency are essential during a marathon event day!
Digital check-in and bar-coded name badges allow everyone to track where they’ve been and with whom they’ve spoken; it also reduces the margin for spelling errors and typos in contact information. Pre-loaded employer info and attendee pre-registration will allow the right people to match with the right companies.
But if they have a strong writing background and an employer is only interested in engineers, they’ll know to skip that booth on the first round. It will save everyone a bit of time and a lot of potential headaches.
Our unique professional networking event ideas can provide more job fair inspiration. Check them out!
