Here is a list of typical job fair vehicles:

• Campus job fairs
  Campus-sponsored job fairs are by far the most popular for new graduates. It is held on campus and is an ideal venue for companies recruiting for entry-level positions, internships, cooperative education programs and available summer or part time jobs. Larger campuses often host several job fairs, each geared toward a specific academic or vocational discipline.
• Community job fairs
  This type of job fair is general in nature and does not target specific skill sets. Community job fairs receive participation from a large cross- section of companies in the community. You might find yourself next to a variety of industry sector people, from furniture manufacturers to food service and catering services.
• Professional job fairs
  These job fairs are geared to attract candidates from a wide range of professional occupations, such as accounting, engineering or sales. Professional job fairs are usually organized by professional associations and/or industry groups.
• Job fairs
  As the name implies, these job fairs target specific specialty groups such as a "Technical Job Fair."

Job fairs allow small and medium sized businesses to meet with many potential job applicants in one location in a short time frame. This recruitment vehicle offers reciprocal advantages: you are looking for talent; job seekers are looking for opportunity. In addition to providing hiring opportunities, job fairs offer your company visibility and publicity.


If you choose to participate in a job fair, you have to create a favorable first impression. Remember, you are attracting candidates and marketing your company at the same time. This requires an investment of time and money to develop a professional booth and presentation materials:

• Display booth
  Prominently display information about your company and its mission, products and services. Use several media: banners or posters, table displays, and audio-visual demonstrations.
• Literature and brochures to distribute
  This includes pamphlets about your products and services as well as information on the positions available in your company.
• Application forms
  This is optional. It is simpler to accept résumés and spend time later following up with selected applicants.
• Business cards
  Cards or hand-outs bearing your company's name and contact information should be printed for distribution at the career fair.