The key to a successful job fair is being prepared to showcase your company and create a positive impression.
It takes more than just flashy pamphlets and talking points to get job seekers interested in your business. You need to create a powerful presentation that helps them visualize working for you.
Before you fill your job fair table with applications, read these valuable tips for acquiring good employees:
Career fair tips
What to bring to a job fair
Table cover. The career fair host likely will furnish a table but don’t count on it being in good shape. Hide imperfections with a customized table cover. Personalized table cloths with your name and logo will give you a professional look and instantly identify you to job candidates. Totally Promotional’s bestselling 6-foot table cover also fits an 8-foot table. That’s good to know if you aren’t sure what size table you’ll get. Table runners are a great budget-friendly alternative.
Current employees. We all know how effective good reviews can be. Choose a few current employees to help you greet job candidates. Ask them to discuss their training and duties, what they like best about the company, and why they chose it. This helps career seekers feel connected to your company from the start.
Product examples. You can talk for hours but visitors will be more interested in a real-life example of what your company does. Obviously, this isn’t possible for every type of business. But if you manufacture gym equipment, for example, set up a treadmill or stationary bike for job candidates to see. Who knows? You might gain a new employee and make a sale!
Banners and banner stands. Unless you want to go hoarse by the end of the event, you’ll need signage that highlights your company and the jobs you offer. A colorful vinyl or fabric banner will draw attention. If your booth draws traffic from all sides, try a double-sided banner for maximum exposure! Banner stands come in all sizes including tabletop styles and can be set up in minutes. Make a big splash by using your logo and company colors on a banner, banner stand and table cover.
Demonstration materials. Show how your products or services are made or function to beef up interest in your presentation. If possible, get visitors involved with a hands-on demo. Do several trial runs ahead of time to be sure it works properly.
Giveaways. Put your name, contact information and website on useful items to give visitors who stop by your booth. Customized giveaways are effective business cards that recipients will keep for six months or more. Popular giveaway items include personalized pens, bottle openers, chip clips, sunglasses, flying discs, lip balm, drawstring bags, hand sanitizer, stress balls and can coolers. Use items such as custom chargers, ceramic mugs and umbrellas as prizes for special drawings. The names and contact information you gather can be used for follow-up calls.
How to prepare for a career fair
Rally your team. Get your coworkers involved by asking for ideas and suggestions to ensure your presentation is fun and informative. Arm your team with all the information they’ll need to answer questions and give facts about the company.
Furnish your team with lanyards. Custom lanyards will give each member of your team a polished look and help identify them as a representative of your company. Choose a material, style and colors that work well for your crew. Economy lanyards are perfect when you’re on a budget. Add attachments to display names and keep keys and other items secure.
Iron out a dress code. Discuss several weeks in advance what type of clothing to wear for the career fair. Custom apparel such as polo shirts with your logo are very appropriate. If you don’t have custom clothing, choose similar garb for everyone such as white shirts and black pants to promote a team appearance. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, especially if the event lasts more than three hours.
Rehearse. Take time to rehearse your presentation at least two weeks prior to the event. Ask a few people to be your “audience” and make suggestions. Do a run-through with any demonstrations you are planning, practice setting up or hanging your banners, and decide how to neatly organize your table with giveaways, company brochures and job applications.
Start planning early
I know you’re busy. You’ve got reports to complete, paperwork to file and a hundred other things on your plate. But if you don’t properly prepare, you may as well not show up at the career fair. Get a headstart by creating a to-do list with tasks designated to team members. Be sure to include deadlines.
Place your order today for the customized products you’ll need and get one step closer to a successful job fair!
