We may be in year four since the pandemic began, but the shift to digital has not slowed down. Though we are steadily beginning to see a return to more in-person events, virtual job fairs are here to stay.
The way we interact online continues to evolve FAST, including in the world of work. Many jobs have gone hybrid or moved online, and so have job fairs. According to the Society for Human Resource Management, online career fairs increased from 100 events per week in 2020 to 500 events per week.
At Masiello Employment Services, we place deep value in human connection. Building relationships is a significant part of what has kept us in business for over 40 years. However, we also understand the times. Virtual job fairs have a lot going for them, and we want to be there for the many talented candidates trying to find their next fit.
So even though we prefer in-person job fairs where we can see your awesome faces, we can still heap some love onto the virtual ones. Here are five big reasons why…
Convenience
There’s no doubt that the sheer convenience of gathering virtually is what makes online job fairs so appealing. As long as you have a stable internet connection, you can tune in from your car, your home, your office, or anywhere.
This eliminates the stress and pressure of getting to a location and then having to navigate your way through a crowd. It also makes things easier for the event organizers, who instead of having to rent and set up a physical space, can schedule a date and time in a virtual space.
One-on-One Connections
Another thing that virtual job fairs offer that might be difficult to achieve at an in-person event is the ability to connect one-on-one with recruiters and prospective employees. The virtual fair creates dedicated meeting time in which the recruiter and candidate can really get to know one another without the pressure of the next person in line waiting.
Chat Features
Chat features, sometimes called Networking Lounges, are virtual spaces that are set up to share information quickly and efficiently. You can easily introduce yourself, send links to job profiles, receive resumes, and create invitations to virtual tables.
The fact that the chat feature alone works for virtual resume-sending makes these online events worthwhile. It gives us the opportunity to gather key background directly from the candidates, without having to sift through piles of paper.
The Advantages of Video
It may seem obvious that one of the benefits of a virtual job fair is the ability to converse via video. But let’s just stop and think about how amazing this is for a moment. At no time in the history of humanity have we been able, with relative ease, to log onto a computer, and see another live person across from us on a screen.
As we said earlier, the ability to have a one-on-one conversation digitally is a big perk for virtual job fairs. Just imagine trying to have as in-depth a conversation over the phone or in a loud and crowded conference room. So, we don’t take for granted the fact that we can communicate this way.
Networking
Networking is essential to everyone looking to land their dream job or grow in their career. For us at Masiello, it’s also an opportunity to meet and matchmake with new clients.
We get to find out what their hiring needs might be and offer our services as experienced intermediaries. It’s potentially good business for us, just as it could be potentially good business for you as an employer or prospective employee. Networking is the glue that brings the entire experience together.
Is a Virtual Job Fair Right for You?
We understand the in-person appeal of a standard job fair. You’re able to see people, and connect in a way that’s different from online. However, for all the benefits of in-person job fairs, the virtual world holds its appeal for many people.
If you’re looking for convenient ways to network and get your resume to as many places as possible, virtual job fairs would be a great next move for you. Did you know we’ll be attending a virtual job fair next week? That’s right! Our very own Regional Director, Julie Pearson, will be at the New Hampshire Employment Security Dartmouth and Monadnock Virtual Regional Job Fair!
It’s being held online, next Thursday, February 15, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Come say hi if you can! Otherwise, check out our services by giving us a call at 603 358 100, or drop by our offices in Keene, NH to say hello.
