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Mesia Quartano
 Whether you're looking for entry-level
hires, tech talent or experienced executives, job fairs are an increasingly important strategy
for recruiters seeking employees at all levels. The experts at diversity job board LatPro.com
offer the following tips to improve your career fair recruiting results while promoting a
positive public image for your company:
Plan as a TeamMake sure there's no disconnect between those planning the exhibit and the recruiters
actually attending the event. All members of an exhibiting company need to work together to ensure
that everything runs smoothly and nothing falls through the cracks.
Ask About Advertising Opportunities. Almost every job fair provides a variety of opportunities to
publicize your company, often at no additional cost. You may be able to publish your open positions
on the event Web site, include your company logo in printed materials, get listed as an exhibitor
in radio or TV ads, or receive additional exposure as an event sponsor.
Don't Put All your Marketing Materials in One Basket If you ship your booth, display graphics and
all your printed materials together, what will you do if they don't make it to the event on time?
At the very least, make sure some marketing materials and brochures travel with you. Then if
there's a shipping snag, you won't be empty-handed.
Stay Until the End of the EventMake sure your travel plans and other arrangements leave enough time
for you to exhibit for the entire job fair. Breaking down your booth early is a distraction to
other attendees, and it could cause you to miss top-notch candidates who arrive at the end of the
event.
Be on Time Get directions to the job fair location in advance and give yourself plenty of extra
time for missed turns, elusive parking, event registration, booth set-up and last-minute errands.
You should have all your prep work completed before candidates are scheduled to arrive.
Never Leave Your Booth Unattended If one recruiter goes to lunch, the other should stay at your
exhibit. The same goes for cigarette breaks and trips to the bathroom. You never know when
outstanding candidates will visit your booth, and you can't guarantee they'll come back if you're
missing in action.
Greet Candidates When They Approach Your ExhibitSounds like common sense, but some recruiters seem
to prefer chatting with their booth co-worker instead of welcoming candidates. Remember why you're
there and be a good host. When someone visits your booth, introduce yourself, shake the candidate's
hand and start a conversation!
Always Accept Paper Resumes The biggest complaint from career fair candidates involves recruiters
who refuse to take paper resumes and instruct jobseekers to apply online at a company Web site. You
should always accept resumes from job fair candidates; just explain that they must also apply
online as part your company policy. This courtesy shows candidates that their effort to meet you in
person is appreciated.
(c) 2007 LatPro, Inc.
About the Author:
LatPro.com, the most visited job board for Hispanic and bilingual professionals, is a
recognized expert on diversity employment and Hispanic career issues. LatPro and its career advice for jobseekers, diversity hiring tips
for employers and Hispanic employment data have been seen in publications including the Wall
Street Journal and Forbes.com.
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