Virtual Job Fairs: Promote Yourself from Anywhere in the World

In a world where remote and hybrid working are increasingly becoming the norm, in-person job fairs are progressively being overtaken in popularity by online events.

Virtual job fairs, or virtual career fairs, are online platforms designed to connect recruiters and job seekers. This makes them an ideal resource for anyone looking for remote work, or for an in-person role at a considerable distance from where they live.

A survey of organisations and recruiters conducted by event management platform vFairs revealed that, in 2022, 88% of respondents had hosted at least one virtual event, 46% had hosted at least four, and 28% had hosted more than 10. An overwhelming 96% of those surveyed said that virtual events would be a part of their future strategy.

Virtual career fairs improve on traditional events

Online career fairs still have all the benefits that you can derive from an in-person event, such as exploring diverse career possibilities, gathering information about potential employers, and having personal chats with company managers and recruiters. But they also have a few extra advantages that traditional job fairs can’t match.

A world of opportunities

There are no geographical boundaries online, so job seekers can access information and present themselves to recruiters from anywhere.

No need to travel

You’ll save both time and money because you don’t have to travel physically to the venue.

Improved time efficiency

Virtual job fairs are often better organised and less chaotic from the job seekers viewpoint. You’ll know which organisations are attending and where to find their online ‘booth’. Where traditional, in-person job fairs often involve long queues to score just a couple of minutes face-to-face with a recruiter or mentor, virtual career fairs usually offer the opportunity to pre-book guaranteed time slots.

Fewer sources of stress

There are no traffic or parking woes, and virtual job fairs are ideal for anyone who doesn’t relish crowds and the need to interact with hordes of strangers. Yet they still offer plenty of opportunities to network with relevant individuals.

Unpacking the structure of virtual job fairs

Online career fairs leverage the latest virtual meeting technology. Here are some of the features you can anticipate:

Online versions of physical booths

Recruiting organisations will set up their unique virtual spaces where you can register your interest, access information, view presentations, leave your resume and make appointments to meet company delegates.

Zoom Rooms

Individual employer booths may incorporate Zoom rooms – virtual breakout rooms to facilitate more focused and private interactions between recruiters and job seekers.

Private chats with organisational representatives

You’ll be able to schedule personal, one-on-one conversations with knowledgeable senior individuals or hiring managers from the companies that interest you. You could even find yourself being interviewed and leave the virtual career fair with a job offer. These conversations may be conducted in text, audio or video, but since the format will almost certainly be advised in advance, you’ll know what to expect.

Webinars

Some virtual job fairs offer live webinars to inform potential candidates about an industry, market sector or individual organisation. They present a perfect information-gathering opportunity, as well as being a great way to engage with the speakers and create a memorable impression that will serve as an ice-breaker if you subsequently apply for a role at their organisation.

Panel discussions

Discussions involving panels of industry or company experts, or current company employees, may be available. They can provide an insight into industry trends or company culture, as well as further networking opportunities, career advice and even job openings.

Solid preparation is the key to success at a virtual career fair

Although the job fair you’re attending may be virtual, prepare for it as thoroughly as you would for an in-person event. Careful groundwork will yield worthwhile results.

Register and check the schedule

Register for the event well ahead of time. You’ll need to provide contact details, and you may be asked to supply your resume, so make sure it’s up to date. You can then plan your day’s schedule in advance around the booths, webinars and presentations you’re interested in.

Research and prepare questions

Conduct online research into the organisations who will feature at the event. Also visit their careers page if they have one, and then prepare questions to fill in any gaps in the available information to demonstrate your interest and enthusiasm. You might, for example, enquire about professional development, mentoring opportunities, and company culture and values.

Spruce up your online presence

Now is the time to make sure that your LinkedIn profile is polished and up to date, and that any other social media presence you may have shows you in a favourable light.

Practise your introduction

Rehearse your elevator pitch so that you can introduce yourself to recruiters with a succinct focus on your skills and experience relevant to the organisation or a specific role.

Get yourself and your space ready

Run a check on your set up to ensure that your internet connection, laptop, camera and microphone are all functioning properly. Choose a quiet space with a neutral background and no distractions. Switch your phone to silent. Wear something smart and professional, taking guidance from what you see in any employee photos on the participating companies’ web pages.

Get the most out of your virtual job fair day

A virtual career fair has no physical limitations, so it should be possible to visit many of the available booths. If you’re waiting in line for an appointment, don’t waste the time – use it to browse other booths. Aim to absorb as much content as you can, gather all the information you need and network with people who can advance your career.

When possible, take notes about the unique benefits that each company offers, as well as details of any specific opportunities. An even better option is to record your video meetings, since you’ll then be free to focus on the camera. Company representatives are there to share advice, but they may also be able to match your skills with a particular opportunity, so it’s essential to request their contact details so that you can follow up on your meeting at a later date.

Above all, be engaging. Approach each virtual booth, and each personal discussion or group chat, with enthusiasm and confidence. Making a good impression in this space may well be the springboard that elevates you into your dream job.

Leverage virtual job fairs to advance your career

Virtual career fairs open a world of remote work opportunities, without the need to travel and with a much smaller time investment than traditional, in-person events. Attendees who prepare appropriately – with advance registration and time planning, research, prepared questions, and a rehearsed introductory pitch – will be able to extract the greatest benefit from these events. A little time spent auditing social media entries, checking technology, and paying attention to the personal image projected during video sessions, will also pay dividends.

Here at Adecco, we know all about the structure and benefits of virtual job fairs, because we’re often involved in staging them. Get in touch with us to find out about upcoming events, and meanwhile don’t hesitate to send us your resume. We may be able to match you with the perfect role before the next job fair happens.