How to boost your recruitment game at career fairs?

Another year, another career fair in the books. This November I found myself in the familiar walls of Universit?t Klagenfurt , taking part in a yearly student recruitment event - Connect Messe. Last year, I shared with you some thoughts on how to better prepare for the event and how to get the most out of it. This time, I want to dig into a crucial aspect I missed before—how we connect with the main players: the students. Let me share some tricks that have worked well for me, giving you a peek into my approach, tactics, and the little things that build lasting connections with potential hires as well as what to do after the event is done.

Crafting Meaningful Interactions on the Big Day

First things first, being friendly and approachable is key. Students often feel a bit shy, so I've made it a point to balance my usual serious look with a friendly smile. People have told me I can seem a bit intense, so a smile goes a long way in breaking the ice. First impressions matter, and a welcoming vibe opens the door to meaningful talks.

In the maze of career fair booths, where students might be hanging back, it's up to us to start the conversation. My favorite starter? "Have you ever heard of Bitmovin ?" This leads to a chat about our cool solutions and how they power big names like DAZN, BBC, and Discovery. It's not just about products; it's about showing students how they can make a real impact with us.

Once we're talking, keeping it short and sweet is key. I borrow a trick from salespeople and keep my points punchy, letting students take the lead with their questions. It's a dance of sharing info about our company's departments and early talent programs based on what they're into.

Even if we don't have job openings right then, snagging their contact details is a game-changer. I set up a simple Google form on a laptop for them to join our post-event email list. This not only keeps the convo going but also gives them a chance to drop their CVs. And of course, I always ask if it's cool to keep their info in our system.

Post-Event Impact:

With the job fair officially wrapped up, you've engaged with numerous potential prospects, delivered your company pitch over a hundred times, and collected a wealth of contact details. But, is it time to kick back and relax? Not quite. In fact, the true effort begins once the event concludes. Let's delve into the crucial aspects to consider moving forward.

1. Swift Follow-Ups: As the booths are dismantled, the importance of swift follow-ups cannot be overstated. Act promptly to reach out to the candidates who left a positive impression. The immediacy of contact enhances the likelihood that they'll remember the engaging encounter they had at the fair. This is the moment to coordinate the next steps seamlessly, whether it involves guiding them through an application form, scheduling a screening call, initiating a skills assessment, or planning an in-person interview. The swifter the engagement, the deeper the connection forged.
2. Measure and Improve: The job fair may be in the rearview mirror, but the insights gained are a treasure trove. Engage in reflective discussions with your team to dissect the impressions left by the event. Identify high-potential candidates and recognize patterns in the interactions. To truly understand the impact, measure key recruiting KPIs. Ask critical questions: How many candidates did we source? What percentage proved to be qualified? These metrics form the foundation for gauging the Return on Investment (ROI), offering valuable lessons for future endeavors.

Setting Goals for the Future: Early Talent Programs and Beyond

So you did all the hard work during and after the event, measured your ROI, and have a healthy pipeline of future hires in your pocket. What should you do now? Here are some of the steps you can take:

1. Early Talent Programs and Ambitious Goals: Look beyond the immediate hiring needs. Set ambitious goals for early talent programs that extend beyond the traditional recruitment approach. Consider inviting student groups to your offices, providing them with an inside look at your company culture and operations. This immersive experience lays the groundwork for deeper connections.
2. Inclusive Initiatives: Recognize the importance of inclusivity. For example, we unfortunately didn't have any female Bitmovers at our stand, bu still had an impressive 40% female sign-up rate for our follow-up email. Our plan is to utilize this momentum by hosting inclusive events, such as a "Women in Tech Afternoon." As a company, thinking like this not only showcases your commitment to diversity but also provides a platform for networking and mentorship.
3. Direct Communication: Directly communicate with attendees to sustain the momentum. Extend invitations to workshops on practical topics like CV advice, LinkedIn tips, and recruitment insights. This proactive approach not only positions your company as a valuable resource but also fosters a sense of community among potential candidates.

As we navigate the world of student engagement, let's step up our game to not just attract but genuinely connect with the awesome talent at these career fairs. It's not just about filling roles; it's about building relationships that last throughout their whole careers.