What is your opinion of general job fairs?
I am talking about job fairs that are not a dedicated event for just one employee. Like you some times see Hotels for example who will have a job fair to fill their potions.
I am talking about the ones that general job fairs. Do you think they are effective to get work? Do you think they are better for one kind of person over another? Do you think it is better to do the online form of job searching?
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It all depends on the situation. Mostly, I network with the companies at the job fair. On the other hand, I apply online.
My opinion is that if you are choosing one over the other, then you are limiting your options. Both have their benefits. For example, Online gives you a broader range of jobs and is convenient. Job fairs expose you to companies you may have never heard of and it allows potential employers to put a face to the applicant. These are just a couple of examples , but my point is that you can't wait for opportunity to come knocking on your door. You have to go out and find it. Plenty of people have found employment by attending a job fair.
Excellent question**@Mike Grauer Jr** because I think there's a big misconception on the effectiveness of job fair and how much influence the go towards establishing meaningful connections with potential employers.
Knowing the difference between a Job Fair and Hiring Event will help clear up the biggest misconception. Hiring Events are usually sponsored by a specific company (Ex: Target, Lowe's, Amazon, etc.) where job seekers have opportunities to meet with hiring managers and have an On-The-Spot hiring experience. Most of the jobs being offered are entry to mid management levels. These are great opportunities for applicants who are interested in pursing careers within these individual companies.
Job Fairs (General, Industry, or Other) are offer job seekers more networking opportunities with active employees within those companies being represented. Job Fairs usually feature multiple employers under on location (some in the hundreds!). Job Fairs are all about making connections which, in my opinion, is far more valuable for the professional career seeker.
Think of it this way.. As an IT pro like yourself, how many applications have you submitted for jobs you know you can handle with your eye's shut and never received a single response from anyone in those organizations. Via the online process, your just one more application among the hundreds if not thousands of other applicants in the applicant pool.
The Job Fair experience allows you to put a face to your resume and the face to face interaction with company recruiters is an opportunity to become memorable. You also get to network with other job seekers, share stories, and learn from others experiences.
I think Job Fairs are Great! Thanks for raising this question :-)
We've all been there, but I have people at my company that are under 25. I guess it depends on the type of training you have if any.