When it comes to finding students and recent grads to expand your workforce, career fairs provide a unique opportunity for employers to gain face-to-face exposure to relevant and engaged talent. Every year, college and university campuses host job fairs to support professional networking and recruitment opportunities for students and Canadian businesses. By participating in these events, businesses can promote their company, network with other organizations, and recruit new employees.
Career fairs are typically a one-day event where businesses can set up a booth and interact with the campus’ student body and/or recent grads. Colleges and universities are filled with knowledgeable, skilled youth that are eager to start developing a Career path. Businesses can generate an ideal list of potential candidates by exposing their company and brand to an interested audience.
For many employers, career fairs can be utilized as an initial screening of potential employees. Based on the face-to-face interactions that take place, employers may decide to offer first round interviews or job offers.
Related Post: Attracting Youth Top Talent to Your Team
How Career Fairs Can Benefit Employers and Students
At the beginning of 2017, 82% of Ontario businesses surveyed by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) indicated that they’ve found it difficult to find and hire new, qualified employees. Thankfully, most Ontario-based colleges and universities host semi-annual career fairs to help employers access top talent to fill gaps within their workforce.
Here are some of the employers and student benefits that can be developed by attending and/or participating in local careers fairs:
Employer Benefits
Some of the benefits that career fairs provide to businesses include:
- Access to a considerable number of potential candidates;
- Increase brand exposure and awareness;
- Face-to-face networking with traditional and non-traditional candidates; and
- Interact with other businesses and non-profit organizations.
Student Benefits
Some of the benefits that career fairs provide to students and recent graduates include:
- Immediate employment opportunities;
- Exposure to specific industries;
- Face-to-face networking with potential employers; and
- Opportunities to learn more about companies and their workforces.
Related Post: How to Get the Most Value from Your Millennial Employees
Ontario Post-Secondary Career Fairs to Attend in Fall 2017
As the new academic year kicks off, employers will have several opportunities to connect with post-secondary students and alumni. Check out the following career fairs taking place throughout Fall 2017:
Career Fair Fall 2017 (North York, ON)
On September 19, York University will be hosting its Fall 2017 Career Fair to encourage full and part-time employment opportunities for its students. During this event, businesses will have a chance to network with students and new graduates from a range of leading programs, such as Business, Engineering, Health, and Environmental Studies.
Event Details
Date: September 19, 2017
Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm
Location: Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Building – York University, North York, ON
Register Now
The Road to Careers (Hamilton, ON)
On September 21, McMaster University will be hosting “The Road to Careers”, which is the universities largest annual career event. During the career fair, employers will have an opportunity to find personnel to fill full-time, part-time, co-op, and internship positions within their organization. In addition, McMaster will be offering an ‘Ask an Advisor’ booth, LinkedIn support, interview preparation, and resume critiquing services.
Event Details
Date: September 21, 2017
Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm
Location: DBCA Sports Hall – McMaster University, Hamilton, ON
Register Now
Canada Job Expo (Toronto, ON)
The Canada Job Expo is a free networking event that brings together employers and academic institutions to promote learning and employment opportunities. During the event, attendees can fine-tune their job search skills by participating in several professional development workshops. Canada Job Expo has successfully hosted over 50 recruitment events and has helped hundreds of businesses find ideal employees.
Event Details
Date: September 21, 2017
Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm
Location: North York Memorial Hall, 5110 Yonge St., Toronto, ON
Register Now
Partnerships for Employment (P4E) Career Fair (Waterloo, ON)
On September 27, the University of Guelph will co-host Canada’s largest collaborative P4E career fair alongside the University of Waterloo, Wilfred Laurier University, and Conestoga College. This event was first established in 1994 and brings together over 2,500 students and alumni from four Ontario-based academic institutions. Please Note: Only students and alumni from the participating post-secondary institutions are eligible to attend the P4E Career Fair.
Event Details
Date: September 27, 2017
Time: 10:00am – 3:30pm
Location: Manulife Sportsplex at RIM Park, Waterloo, ON
Register Now
Recruit Guelph Career Fair (Guelph, ON)
On November 8, the University of Guelph will be hosting a career fair to kick off the new school year. The university’s Fall event typically draws between 350-400 students and alumni from a range of post-secondary programs. During the event, employers and prospective candidates can network and discuss employment opportunities. In addition, participating businesses will have the ability to share job postings for free on U of G’s online job board.
Date: November 8, 2017
Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm
Location: University Centre Courtyard – University of Guelph, Guelph, ON
Register Now
Learn More About Recruiting Top Talent to Your Workforce
If you’re unable to attend an upcoming career fair, there are still other opportunities for you to learn more about recruiting top talent. Developing a strategic hiring process ensures businesses can attract and retain employees that will help the business grow and succeed. Finding the right employees can be challenging and employers often find it overwhelming when trying to find the right candidates.
Download Mentor Works’ How to Find and Recruit Top Talent slide deck to discover recruiting methods and opportunities for your business.
Recent Small Business Events:
- Find and Recruit Top Talent During a Career Fair
- Sign Up for a Small Business Funding Workshop in September 2017
- Your Future in Global Markets: October 2-4 FITT Trade Conference
- 3 Government Funding Webinars to Attend in August 2017
- 6 Ontario Small Business Events to Attend in July 2017
The post Find and Recruit Top Talent During a Career Fair appeared first on Mentor Works Ltd..
