Job fairs are an essential component of the job market for both companies and job seekers. These events offer a unique opportunity to connect with potential employers or find a job that matches one's qualifications and career goals. In this article, we will discuss the top four reasons why job fairs should not be overlooked.

It can help employers save $4,129.

Firstly, job fairs provide companies with the chance to advertise their vacancies and employment opportunities to a large pool of qualified and motivated individuals without resorting to expensive recruitment strategies. According to statistics from Zippia, the average cost of filling a job vacancy can reach up to $4,129 over 42 days depending on the role, sector, and location. This figure is exorbitant when one considers the number of applicants who do not make it past the CV screening process. For job seekers, attending job fairs can help them find the right fit in terms of company culture and job responsibilities, which can lead to higher job satisfaction and less likelihood of turnover.

Increase brand awareness organically and affordably.

Job fairs allow companies to showcase their brand and openings to a captive audience who are actively seeking employment opportunities and organically attract employees who are interested in the company. Furthermore, job seekers who attend job fairs will tend to talk about opportunities and companies they plan to connect with or have networked with. According to a Nielsen report, 92% of people trust word of mouth referrals from those they know, more than they trust all other forms of advertising. This approach significantly increases the chances of filling the vacancy, establishing valuable brand recognition, and building a strong candidate pipeline. The playing field is level and you don’t need an astronomical advertising budget!

Find opportunities you otherwise would have missed.

The average American is exposed to 4,000-10,000 ads per day. That can make it challenging to figure out if your job posting really made it in front of your target audience, or if it was just another blip on the screen.

With most job fairs being in person, job seekers can explore various career options and gather valuable information on different companies’ and industries' employment requirements on the spot. This face-to-face interaction helps job seekers to get a sense of a company's culture, values, and work environment, and discover new businesses. Job seekers will also have the opportunity to encounter other job seekers as well as get in front of recruiters. A job fair can be a key networking opportunity and potentially spark up conversations that lead to new projects, opportunities, and connections.

Showcase the Team, Company, and Culture

Finally, job fairs are a great way for employers to retain and develop their workforce. When employers attend job fairs, they send a message to their employees that they are interested in investing in their professional development and growth. Job fairs are a great opportunity to highlight the work your team is doing, showcase who their team members are, where the future of the company is headed, and more. Rather than watching a video or viewing a static photo, job seekers can see right away what your product is, who your team is, and more.

Santa Cruz Launchpad 2023

Job fairs are a win-win for both employers and job seekers. They provide companies with a platform to showcase their brand and vacancies, offer job seekers a unique opportunity to network and access valuable career information. By investing time and resources in job fairs, employers can retain and motivate their workforce and attract a talented pool of candidates for future vacancies.

Here at Santa Cruz Works, we understand the value that job fairs bring. That’s why we host one every year! Check out Santa Cruz Launchpad! It’s free for job seekers. We are also looking for employers to participate!

Learn more

4 Reasons Why Job Fairs Are Awesome for Employers and Job Seekers