A career fair is an event that gives students and employers a chance to meet one another, establish professional relationships, and discuss potential job and/or internship opportunities. Career fairs can be a highly effective part of campus recruiting and brand building. Students need to know you and your business, and you need to engage with the students.
Some career fairs are opportunities to attract students who are considering different types of careers to the automotive industry, while other career fairs are focused on students who are already enrolled in automotive programs so that can connect directly with prospective employers. It is important to know what the student audience will be when you sign up.
Some dealer groups also set up career fair booths at local Auto Shows. That is another way to expose consumers to the great career opportunities in our industry.
Keys to success: Have a clear message about your company’s opportunities, career paths, benefits, and near-term hiring needs. Having someone from your organization that has either graduated from that program or school and can relate to the students would also be an advantage. Ask your OEM or program group for banners and promotional swag to give away or a hands-on display that students can engage with. That will drive traffic to your table.
Other tips for a successful career fair:
• Plan ahead
• Set your goals
• Reserve your spot
• Organize your stuff
• Review the logistics
• Tell them you’re coming
• Make sure your jobs are posted
• Adapt to each campus
• Bring plenty of business cards
• Have a plan for résumés
• Have a plan for high-potential candidates
• Don’t leave early
• Follow-up quickly
• Follow-up with campus contacts, too and say thanks!
Time commitment: 2 to 3 hours
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