As a recruiter, a virtual career fair is an excellent opportunity to connect with diverse candidates and build a pipeline of talent that aligns with your organization’s goals. To make the most of your time during the virtual career fair, it’s essential to be prepared, approachable, and intentional in your efforts. By setting clear expectations, creating a friendly and approachable atmosphere, and providing actionable next steps, you’ll leave a lasting impression on job seekers and build meaningful connections that can benefit your team for years to come.
1. Set Clear Expectations From the Start
Be upfront and specific about the types of candidates you’re seeking and the positions you’re hiring for. Clearly outline the skills, qualifications, and attributes that are essential for success in the role. This saves time for both you and the candidates by ensuring conversations are focused and relevant. Here’s an example: “We’re looking for candidates with a strong background in biomedical research and a passion for innovation. This role is critical to advancing our mission of creating solutions that improve patient outcomes.”
2. Customize Your Virtual Booth
Maximize the impact of your virtual presence by customizing your booth with your brand’s colors, logos, and relevant multimedia content. Include custom text, links, and images that convey your company’s mission and culture, making your booth a standout destination during the fair. Companies that skip this step may lose out on potential candidates. If you put the effort into creating an engaging environment, you’ll attract more attendees.
3. Be Friendly and Engaged
Remember that job seekers come from diverse backgrounds and personality types. Approach every interaction with an open mind and avoid making quick judgments. Candidates may be nervous or unsure of how to express themselves, so your ability to create a welcoming and approachable atmosphere can help bring out their best qualities. Be attentive, listen actively, and show genuine interest in what candidates have to say.
4. Showcase Your Organization
Recruiting at a virtual career fair is a two-way street—it’s not just about finding the right candidates but also showcasing why your organization is a great place to work. Discuss your organization’s mission, the impact of the roles, and the growth opportunities available. Share anecdotes that highlight your company culture to make the conversation more relatable and engaging.
5. Be Prepared
Just as candidates are expected to be prepared, recruiters should come equipped with information to guide conversations. Know your open positions inside and out, and be ready to discuss specific details, such as key responsibilities, growth opportunities, and how the roles align with the company’s overall goals.
6. Take Notes
Use your time at the career fair to meet as many candidates as possible. Take brief notes on standout candidates during or immediately after each conversation such as their name, a unique strength they shared, or why they seemed like a great fit for a specific role. These notes will help you remember key details when following up later.
7. Exchange Contact Information
Have links ready to copy and paste into the chat including your email, your LinkedIn profile, your company’s careers page. If you find a candidate that is a potential match for a role, you’ll want to schedule a more in-depth conversation at a later time. If the candidate is not a match, you may want to stay in touch for future opportunities or direct them to your company’s website.
The AWIS Spring Virtual Career Fair took place on March 13, 2025.
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Sloan Rivers is a Digital Marketing Specialist at the Association for Women in Science (AWIS). She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from Indiana State University and has a strong background in marketing and communications. Her career spans healthcare, nonprofit, and professional service industries, where she has honed her skills in digital marketing, graphic design, and social media. Sloan is passionate about crafting dynamic campaigns, optimizing digital platforms, and leveraging data-driven insights to foster meaningful connections and advance impactful missions.