Advantages of attending a virtual career fair — Betty’s Career Tip

Since the pandemic began, virtual career fairs have nearly replaced all in-person career fairs.

The virtual career fair has solved some challenges employers and candidates face. Employers can connect with candidates around the country with the click of a button. In doing so, the virtual career fair has increased productivity and engagement for candidates and employers.

The advantages virtual career fairs have over in-person career fairs include:

Safety and convenience

Virtual recruiting events are a reasonable step for keeping job seekers and recruiters safe from the virus. Since job seekers can join via their phone or laptop from their home, virtual events are easier to attend. Job seekers can virtually wait in line to interact with a recruiter while sitting at their desk, reviewing their notes, and not having to worry about keeping their distance from other job seekers in line.

Increased participation  

The virtual format can be less distracting than in-person events. Since candidates don’t have to listen to another candidate giving an elevator pitch right next to them, the interactions with employers may be less intimidating and therefore more likely to increase candidate participation. As a result, they are more likely to land a job.

Enhanced efficiency 

The format of virtual job fairs allows recruiters to engage with more job seekers in the same or shorter amount of time. Virtual career fairs have been known to create more meaningful connections between recruiters and job seekers. Recruiters can speak with job seekers in private chat rooms or through personal video calls and not feel rushed by people waiting in line. Job seekers can take advantage of the opportunity to take notes after each conversation and then review them after the event.

Improved student experience

Virtual job fairs allow candidates to connect with employers in one-on-one sessions, via text-based chat, audio-only or video chat interviews. This individualized attention helps candidates feel special and gives them opportunities to ask the questions they need answered in order to prioritize the organization in their job search. Along with an easy-to-use platform, this creates a positive candidate experience that builds trust, boosts attendee participation, and leaves candidates looking forward to the next steps with their target career opportunities.

CareerEco will host several upcoming virtual career fairs you may be interested in attending:

Computing and Information Technology Online Career Fair
Monday, February 14, 2022
9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Register to attend

Students and alumni with computing and technology-related degrees from the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering who are seeking full-time, intern or part-time jobs. Candidates are from these computing and technology-related majors are invited to attend:

  • Computer Science
  • Computer Systems Engineering
  • Computer Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Graphic Information Technology
  • Human Systems Engineering
  • Informatics
  • Information Technology
  • Software Engineering
  • User Experience

Master’s and PhD Online Career Fair
Tuesday, February 15, 2022
9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Register to attend

Undergraduate Online Career Fair
Thursday, February 17, 2022
9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Register to attend

 

Betty Boza is a career development specialist for the Fulton Schools Career Center. Her primary responsibility is assisting online, graduate and doctoral students with all aspects of career development including resume preparation, professional network expansion, effective job search strategies and mock interviews.