Virtual events are the new way of life during these difficult times. This transition has been very hard on everyone involved but slowly, everyone is getting used to it. As businesses are shifting to virtual fair platforms, the market is getting much more competitive. Many big corporations have already shifted from physical to virtual platforms. Even recruitment and hiring events are being conducted online. This is why companies need the ultimate guide to hosting a successful virtual job fair.
What is a Virtual Job Fair?
A virtual job fair is an online event in which many different companies offer jobs to hopeful candidates. The purpose of such an event is to connect candidates with hiring managers. Optimizing the two-way communication channel between the applicant and the manager brings another level of ease to the event. These events increase employment opportunities for hopeful individuals. While also ensuring that companies would hire the best of recruits. This is done on an online platform as it gives smart hiring options for the employers and provides them the ease to go through a number of applicants in a shorter time. The latest technology allows companies to hire candidates that would fit perfectly into their framework.
Features and Benefits of a Virtual Job Fair
Online Career Fairs and Job Fairs are great examples of modern technology. They provide users with digital booths, virtual briefcases, online recruitment options and a wide selection of multimedia. These fairs are a very effective way of giving out important information on both the corporation and the candidate, in a safe virtual environment. These events use a lot of innovative techniques to provide a beneficial event. Companies utilize audio and visual presentations, and webinars and provide constant communication between the two parties. Another great feature of these events is that they can be held on both virtual and physical platforms. These events are called hybrid events and they combine the two platforms to form an event that has the best qualities of both platforms.
There are several benefits of hosting these events on a virtual platform. First of all, they are very cost-effective as they end the need to pay for the expense of hosting a physical event. Moreover, the event can host people from all around the world as people do not need to travel to attend them. Physical areas do not limit the space on which these events can be held, and the privacy of the candidates can be maintained with the highest discretion. Also, as there is no limit to the number of people attending, these events can host a larger number of people. Lastly, as these events can be hybrid events as well, candidates and companies can benefit from both direct and virtual interactions.
Hosting a Successful Job Fair
Online Job Fairs give companies the ability to hire candidates from outside the local area, giving them the option of remote work as well. Virtual hiring events also enable companies to choose candidates that perfectly fit into their working environment. This is another benefit of using virtual platforms, as it allows companies to pre-screen the candidates and make the hiring process easier. The following is the ultimate guide to hosting a super successful virtual job fair.
1. Identify Needs
When a corporation plans on hosting such an event, the first thing that they need is to identify which features should be added to the event. Many virtual event platforms offer different features to companies. The things that are must-have for these events are a working webpage that is interactive and has audio-visual elements. The company must also have innovative digital booths that are easy to navigate. Moreover, companies need to have a direct line of communication with their employees and the hopeful applicants. Lastly, the main thing that should be included is a lot of information on the event. This will allow candidates to easily access and apply for jobs. Once these needs are met, the corporation can add as many features as it desires.
2. Virtual Event Platform
Once a company has chosen and identified its needs, it must choose a virtual event platform that is compatible with its plans. The main goal for the corporation in this step is to choose the right platform which would allow them to host the event according to their wishes. These platforms provide different themes and styles for companies to choose from. Lastly, some platforms also provide teams that ensure that the event runs smoothly. One of the most up-and-coming virtual platform is Virtual Days. As it allows corporations to host events according to their own specific needs and provides them with all the necessary tools.
3. Virtual, Physical or Hybrid Event
There are three kinds of events that companies can opt for. One is an all-physical job fair where the entire event is held in a physical location. There are booths set up in a big area where different companies come together to offer individuals jobs. These candidates come from local areas to attend the fair held by local corporations. However, these events cannot be held in the current global situation.
The second kinds of event are virtual events. These events are held on an online platform with virtual booths and interactive exhibits. It provides a constant line of communication between the corporation and the attendee. These events are very user-friendly and completely customizable. Nowadays, virtual events are used most frequently.
The last kinds of events are hybrid events. Hybrid events are a combination of both virtual and physical events. They combine the characteristics of a physical fair while giving attendees the option to join the fair virtually. These events were very popular up until the pandemic. After which they were discontinued as the physical events could not be held.
Usually, it is completely up to the company what kind of event it chooses. However, due to the global pandemic, the best option out of these three is the virtual event.
4. Custom Templates
The next step to hosting a great event is having a customized template that represents the uniqueness of specific corporations. This customization will be applied to the company’s virtual booth. This includes the logo and graphics of the company as well as a list of the open positions that need to be filled. There should be regular updates on the company including all of its PR packages. Moreover, the booth should include videos on the workings of the company and its departments. Lastly, for the applicant’s ease, there must be downloadable packages of information that can be used while applying for the job including the specific requirements of the position. The main purpose behind adding these little details to an event is to make sure that both the company and the attendees are well informed and up to date.
5. Hiring Managers
This step in the process can either make the event very successful or ruin it. It is very important to have a knowledgeable hiring manager that can answer any questions the applicant might have, immediately. Two or more recruiters must be available at the virtual booth at all times during the fair. So that they can talk to the candidates and answer any questions that they might have. These recruiters would encourage the candidates to join the corporation as they have experience working with the company. This, in turn, would capture the interest of the best candidates which benefits the corporation.
6. Identify the Goals
The next step in setting up a virtual fair is to determine the goals that need to be achieved during the event. These goals need to be set and a plan should be put into place to achieve them. Corporations need to determine how they want to promote their brand. They can achieve this by monitoring overall attendance and the success of chat sessions. Moreover, the open positions that need to be filled are to be monitored as well. The applicants and their specifications should be monitored as well as the leads generated, and the interviews scheduled for screening.
Lastly, the outcome of the entire event needs to be calculated as well. The easiest way to do that is to keep a check on all the resumes and applications collected. This data will further help companies understand how to use an online platform to their maximum advantage as well as keep an eye on its success.
7. Promote the Event
Promoting an online event is just as important as promoting any other event. This is why companies need to know how to promote a virtual event. The best way to go about this step is to promote the event on all other online platforms such as social media. The website of the company should have promotions leading up to the event, while also displaying when and how it will take place. Corporations should write blogs that would help candidates by keeping them updated. Social media enables corporations to reach a large number of people in a smaller amount of time. Other ways of promoting the event are by using paid ads on search engines, emails, and newsletters. The main goal of this step is to promote the event before it happens at the largest possible scale. Achieving this would help companies gain maximum attendance and engagement.
8. Do a Test Run
Once all the steps are complete, the company must do a dry test run. This helps them find out if everything is in perfect working order or not. Doing a test run before the event will ensure that there are no technical issues during the actual event. Corporations can benefit greatly from this last step as it helps them seal the deal on the event. A successful dry run will lead to a successful virtual job fair event.
Conclusion
By providing the ultimate guide to hosting a successful virtual job fair, companies can benefit greatly. Going through these steps, again and again, ensures that the corporation understands how to host such an event and make it successful. Modern technology has enabled corporations to gather information and communicate with each other on a virtual platform. All these innovations ensure that corporations can host successful online events.
Author | Zoha Junaid
