Navigating Virtual Career Fairs

• Kylie Farmer
• March 16, 2022
• Newsletter Article

After seemingly endless Zoom classes, virtual conferences, even digital social gatherings, hearing the word “virtual” provokes an almost immediate eyeroll. While the different modalities can be difficult at first, you can use these differences to your benefit and find even more opportunities to connect to employers. So, what are some of these differences?

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Job Seeker Responsibility

Joleen Hueftle, Recruiter at Gavilon, notes the increased responsibility of the job seeker as a key difference between in-person and virtual career fairs.

“One of the main differences I’ve noticed relates to the intentionality required for students and candidates to engage with employers,” Hueftle said. “At an in-person fair, job seekers can physically walk around to explore all employers. Virtually, job seekers must review companies in advance and make an intentional effort to meet with employers whereas in-person environments often invited conversations that wouldn’t otherwise happen.”

This increased responsibility places increased importance on job seekers researching and preparing for the event, but also requires both job seekers and employers to be intentional about their interactions once the career fair begins.

 

Intentional Communication

Bill Baker, Talent and Cultures Lead at J.R. Simplot Company, explains that even with the increased job seeker responsibility, virtual career fairs typically provide a student more time with an employer.

“We’ve spent more time in those conversations at virtual career fairs than we would have in at an in-person career fair,” Baker said. “It was probably closer to a five to eight-minute dialogue, maybe even 10 minutes in some instances. Where I think at an in-person career fair, if we go beyond three minutes and don’t transition on, our line gets intimidating and people stop stopping.”  

 

Despite the differences, both Baker and Hueftle emphasized making virtual interactions personable and memorable. Without the typical person-to-person contact seen at career fairs, creating personal connections through dialogue is even more important. With more individualized time, conversation starters can be more appropriate for both parties to get to know each other and find common ground to connect on. For less experienced job seekers, this can be a time to be honest with employers by expressing where they are in their career and what type of guidance they need. Creating a personal dialogue with a representative increases the likelihood of them remembering you after the event. 

 

Though they require more effort from all parties, virtual career fairs can provide more opportunities. Refining your virtual career fair approach will help you make meaningful connections with representatives and stand out among your peers. To help you build your virtual career fair toolkit, we asked these employers some questions from students about virtual career fairs.

 

How have employers adjusted to online connections? How can attendees of virtual career fairs implement similar practices to be successful?

 

Baker: “A lot of what we trained people on internally was to put the calendar away, put the distractions away. It’s almost easier than in-person to really understand if someone is listening and connecting with you. People can easily tell if you’re typing on a keyboard or looking elsewhere, so limit the distractions.”

 

Hueftle: “Be flexible and go with the flow. As an employer shifting to a virtual environment, we’ve had our fair share of technology battles and navigating the various platforms that each school and organization uses. It is important to keep in mind that we’re all in this together. If all else fails, don’t hesitate to take down contact information and follow-up via email or phone later.”

 

What should a job seekers’ body language and facial expressions look like at a virtual career fair? What vocal tone is appropriate?

 

Baker: “I recommend approaching it like a job interview. You should be comfortable but seeming too relaxed can make you seem uninterested. If your body language, appearance, and the way you are approaching the conversation is similar to a conversation with a friend, you are probably missing the sense of formality needed in a career fair.”

 

Hueftle: “Body language is an aspect that changes a bit in a virtual environment but is still important. Some of the basics still apply – lean in, make eye contact, smile. Keep in mind there is more focus on your facial expressions in a virtual environment since the video is often only of the head and shoulders. Regarding tone, virtual environments don’t require the elevated voice to speak above the hustle and bustle of an in-person fair. Regular conversational tone is perfectly acceptable in a virtual environment.”

 

How can one connect with employers through a chat box when video calls are not an option?

 

Baker: “If it’s just chat alone, I can almost guarantee that it’s going to a be a quick and transactional conversation, so have a message prepared that is something like, ‘Hey it’s really hard for me to approach my background and education through a chat, would you be open to connecting on the phone?’ I use this a lot when connecting with job seekers.”

 

Hueftle: “Treat the chat just like a video call – introduce yourself, explain what you’re interested in/looking for, and ask questions! Don’t forget to share contact information as well for future follow-up.”

 

Virtual career fairs are here to stay. According to Handshake, a virtual networking platform for university campuses, 93% of employers plan to host virtual career events this fall. They also found that many students find virtual events to be less anxiety-inducing, easier to balance, and more accessible. Now is the time for students and young professionals to take advantage of the opportunities at virtual career fairs to make connections, leave an impact, and be remembered.

 

“If you make a good impact,” Baker said, “people will want to advocate for you and find you the right connections and opportunities.”

 

Regardless of if a career fair is in-person or virtual, there are a few things that all job seekers should do to help them find success. Emily Ballweber, Talent and Culture Programs Partner at J.R. Simplot Company, walked us through how to be successful at a career fair regardless of the modality

 

Finding Success at a Career Fair

 

PREPARE

Ballweber highlighted the importance of doing your homework. Explore the employers listed on the career fair directory, especially those you have never heard about. Use the internet to find out more about the company’s mission, services, products, and opportunities you are interested in. When you come into conversations well-prepared, employers will notice.

 

 

 

ENGAGE

Employers want to see that you are interested in their company and engaged in conversation, Ballweber said. Use your research to create questions that you want to ask each employer. When you research the companies beforehand, it is also easier to guide the conversation toward your own interests, which will show employers you are engaged and want to know more.

 

 

 

FOLLOW UP

Following up after contacting an employer continues your connection beyond the career fair. Ballweber suggests connecting on LinkedIn with the individual you met, sending them a thank you through LinkedIn or email, and forwarding them a digital copy of your resume. This communicates to the employer that you are serious about pursuing opportunities within their company.

 

Find a VIRTUAL Career Fair to attend TODAY! 

Check out AgCareers.com Canada & US Career Guide!