In-person job fairs have been around for a long time. They are a popular way for job seekers to meet with potential employers face-to-face. But with all the online options for job searching and networking that exist, is it worth our time and effort in today’s job market? In this article we’ll take a look at the pros and cons of attending job fairs in-person and a few other factors to consider.
But first, for those who are still new to job searching, or Gen Zers unaware of life outside the internet bubble , what is an in-person job fair?
What is an In-Person Job Fair?
Simply put, an in-person job fair is the same as a virtual job fair, except… in-person. It is an event where recruiters, hiring managers and HR professionals set-up physical booths, usually alongside other companies. Sometimes they share the room with other companies in their sector, sometimes it’s open to all types of companies, and sometimes it’s just them. The job fair is marketed in advance, either by the company or organization holding the event, or the employer if it is their own solo affair. Job seekers put some nice clothes on and show up with a smile and shiny, up-to-date paper copies of their resumes. And the networking begins!
Benefits of Job Fairs
Attending in-person job fairs can be a valuable experience for job seekers, whether it gets them a job or not. Networking, access to lots of employers in one space and the ability to introduce ourselves in person can all go a long way.
Networking Opportunities
Job fairs provide a great opportunity to meet new people and expand our professional network. It doesn’t have to just be about finding a job. It is also a chance to meet potential (or future!) employers, new mentors and peers within our field. Not only can we learn about different companies and the opportunities they offer, but also about the latest industry trends and developments. By meeting new people in the present, we can build relationships that can help in the future.
Access to Multiple Employers
One of the biggest advantages of attending job fairs is that we can meet multiple employers under one roof. It saves us time and effort in our job search. These events offer job seekers the chance to put their resumes directly into the hands of dozens, or possibly hundreds of recruiters and employers. If the job fair is aligned with your specific sector, like skilled trades or information technology, your odds go up. This means you have a greater chance of landing more interviews because there are more employers that will be interested in you.
Face-to-Face Interaction
One benefit that is overlooked is the face-to-face factor. With so much communication being online, we tend to forget about the power of simply talking to people in person. The major shift to full or partial remote work (which has remained for many), has taken us further away from prioritizing face-to-face interaction. Job fairs provide a unique opportunity for face-to-face interaction with potential employers. They give us an opportunity to make a personal connection, however small, with recruiters or hiring managers. We can introduce ourselves, we can ask questions, we can make small talk, we can learn to read body language. We get to put our communication skills on display and show some enthusiasm. Sometimes that’s all it might take to get noticed.
And for those job seekers who are shy, socially awkward or lack some confidence, in-person job fairs provide an opportunity to practice. There’s no way around it. Whether you’re attending in-person job fairs, virtual job fairs or no job fairs, at some point you have to communicate with others to land a job. So use the job fair as an opportunity to get over any fears or phobias, build some confidence, practice small talk and practice reading body language.
Drawbacks of Job Fairs
While job fairs can be a great opportunity to connect with potential employers and learn about job openings, there are also some drawbacks to consider. Some argue that job fairs are not as effective as they used to be. Over the years, some companies began rethinking about the effectiveness of in-person job fairs, and whether they still hold value. But in fairness, most of the arguments tend to come from the perspective of employers as it relates to the time and cost of putting on an in-person job fair. That being said, there are some drawbacks that focus on job seekers.
Limited Time with Employers
One of the biggest drawbacks of job fairs is the limited amount of time you have to speak with employers. With lots of job seekers in attendance, it can be difficult to get more than a few minutes to speak with each employer. This can make it challenging to make a strong impression and learn more about the company and the job. For this reason, it’s a good idea to practice your elevator pitch and research the companies you hope to connect with.
High Competition
Another challenge of job fairs is the high level of competition. With so many job seekers in one place, it can be difficult to stand out from the crowd. This can be especially challenging if you are seeking a job in a popular field or industry. This does not mean that you need to try and grab attention in other ways. It just puts more emphasis on coming professionally dressed and prepared with your pitch, questions and a strong resume!
Limited Job Opportunities
It’s important to remember that job fairs do not always offer a wide range of opportunities or employers, especially if it is company or sector-specific. Conversely, others may offer a more general selection of jobs. Either scenario can make it challenging to find a job that is a good fit for your skills and experience. It is important to research the job fair ahead of time to get a sense of the types of employers and jobs that will be represented. This can help you determine whether the job fair is worth your time and effort.
Factors to Consider
Beyond benefits and drawbacks, there are simple factors to consider in assessing whether attending an in-person job fair is right for you. Remember, this is not about job fairs as a whole. It’s about looking at each one individually based on certain criteria.
Job Market and Industry
We’ve already talked about doing your research in advance, but it’s worth repeating. Before attending a job fair — in-person or virtual in this case — it’s important to not only research the companies you’re interested in, but also the current job market and industry. While job fairs are a great place to learn about different companies and industries, they may not always have the positions you’re looking for, especially if you’re considered entry-level and new to your field. At the same time, job openings may not be immediate. The same way job seekers are browsing, so are employers. If you’re in a niche industry, a job fair may not be the best use of your time. However, if you’re in an industry that’s growing and has a high demand for workers, a job fair can be a great way to connect with potential employers.
Employer Participation
It’s important to consider the level of employer participation in the job fair. Larger job fairs will not only attract more employers, but may also attract more people from each company, which means more potential people to talk to. In-person job fairs with a high number of employers is also more likely to have a higher number and variety of job openings and opportunities at their companies. Plus, they may also be recruiting for future opportunities (although all job seekers should keep that in mind when networking).
Your Job Search Strategy
Attending a job fair can be a valuable part of your job search strategy, but it should not be the only method you use. It’s important to have a well-rounded job search strategy that includes networking, online job boards, and applying directly to companies. The more sources you use, the better and faster your results!
Final Thoughts…
Whether it’s right for our own individual purposes, in-person job fairs are a valuable resource for job seekers in the right circumstances. On the plus side, physically attending job fairs can provide an opportunity for candidates to meet face-to-face with potential employers, learn about their company and also network with other professionals in their field.
But it’s also important to set realistic expectations and understand that job openings or offers may not be immediate. And while job fairs may not guarantee a job offer, they can be a valuable tool in the job search process. By being prepared and strategic, job seekers can increase their chances of making meaningful connections and finding job opportunities that align with their career goals, whether now or in the future!