A place to meet
managers receive so many inquiries that they can’t possibly send a “no thank you” letter to each and every candidate they reject.
That’s where hiring events can help. They serve job seekers and employers. They are an opportunity for the two parties to meet, talk to one another and learn about each other. It’s a safe middle space where both parties can meet, make some kind of determination to move forward or move on.
In the eyes of the public, the benefits of a mass hiring event might tip the scales toward the job seeker. After all, there are dozens of employers in one place. A job seeker can move from one table to the next and find many potential jobs in the course of a few hours.
What can an employer get out of an event such as this, beside sore feet? Plenty.
• Gain access to a large pool of candidates in a short amount of time. In the four or five hours of the event, an employer can meet with dozens of candidates face-to-face. This can be used as an initial screening opportunity. Hiring managers can make a determination to move candidates forward with more information than just what is in the resume.
• Economical reach. The cost of a table and the staffing of a job fair far outweigh the cost of posting positions on various job boards. In addition to the cost of posting, hiring managers still need to review the resumes and have initial interviews. At a job fair, you can do all of that in the course of the event.
• Meet with non-traditional candidates. Hiring events that are general in nature, attract a wide array of job seekers. Some may never have applied to certain jobs but could be great employees. As they are walking by an employer table, recruiters can assess the candidate and invite them into a conversation.
• Increase brand awareness. Job fairs can be an opportunity to let qualified talent know you are hiring. Several hundred job seekers will see the company name and logos, picking up flyers and marketing material. Handouts will take that brand home as well.
• Stand out from competitors. In many cases, competitors may be at the same event, looking to hire the same candidates. Employers who are prepared with an eyecatching booth, useful materials and energetic staff willing to talk to the candidates (not simply refer them to the company website) will have an edge.
• Find candidates for non-advertised positions. Job seekers are often counseled to visit employers even if they don’t have an opening that fits their skills or background. Employers should take advantage of this and build a pool of candidates for future openings.
• Network with other companies and employers. Recruiters should take advantage of the time they have to talk with others in their field, network, and make connections.
Job fairs… hiring events... career expos. Whatever they’re called, both the employer and the job seekers can find them beneficial. Advertorial is provided by Tri-Valley One-Stop Career Center.