What is a virtual career fair?

Virtual career fairs are just like traditional career fairs, except they are held online. Virtual visitors can access a vast array of companies currently recruiting, with options to chat to prospective employers via text and video, submit CVs, interact with other job seekers and benefit from online careers advice.

You are able to view and apply for a variety of positions from the comfort of your own computer and home without having to fight the crowds and your CV will get into the right person’s hands. Plus you register about a month before the fair so the recruiters have time to screen your CVs and can conduct virtual interviews on the day.

What can you do at a virtual career fair?

You can view company information at your convenience, watch company videos and visit a company’s site from the virtual booth. You can also see a summary of jobs and can click on a specific position to find out more information and then send your CV. You can interact directly with company representatives through video or text chat, online presentations, group chats or 1:2:1 virtual interviews.

How to make the most of virtual career fairs

You have the opportunity to set up your own profile and can include your CV and cover letter for the recruiters to review. Your CV is initially one of the only representatives of you and your qualifications. So you will want a well-written CV highlighting your specific qualifications. You can also upload multiple CVs and cover letters to highlight your various skills, tailoring each one to a specific job you're interested in.

You will have an icon to represent yourself at the fair so you can either upload a picture or chose a professional icon that tells the recruiters a bit about your personality and occupation. Recruiters use a search function to find candidates within the virtual environment and if you don’t have your profile filled out completely, it won't show up in recruiter search results. 

Get familiar with using the site before the event begins, so you're comfortable using the technology. Go to various booths to explore the different employers at the fair. Do a full circle of the "room" to get an idea of what companies are there. If you look before the fair it will help you get right to the company you want first on the day.

Follow up with employers if they’ve not contacted you within 7-10 days after you’ve applied, by telephone or e-mail. Ask them where they are in their hiring process. Also, let them know of your continued interest in the position.

Unlike live career fairs, virtual career fairs permit access over a longer period of time, sometimes months. It is important that you keep checking the virtual site frequently for new vacancy postings.

Your participation in virtual career fairs should be combined with attending on-site career fairs, networking and online job boards.

Final thoughts

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