Job Fairs Needed In NigeriaNeeded
Aside other tools available to a job seeker in relation to his job search, is the job fair. The internet now referred to as the comprehensive job-resource, newspapers, magazine and other employment agencies have been the major tools employed in hunting for jobs over the years.
A job fair, sometimes called career days, are occasions where companies get to attract large number of potential employees to a one day-only event. There, potential job seekers get opportunity to meet many company representatives from corporations of all industries and sizes during a short period of time. The company representatives then provide information about general career opportunities as well as specific details on current openings.
Most job fairs consist of several booths set up in one large area. Each booth represents a different company. Prospective employees of these companies can make the rounds of all booths, introduce themselves to potential employers, and pass out their resumes. The employers who are working inside each booth have the opportunity to not only size up potential employees for their companies, but also to pass out their business cards to people, which might help boost business.
Job fair has its many advantages. To the potential employee, it helps to boost their networking and interviewing skills, learning and gathering information about companies and also getting contacts of corporate recruiters. It creates an avenue for job seekers to meet with employers they might not be able to access any other way.
For the employer, it gives them a chance to let job seekers know what they offer, explain more about their company, and meet potential new recruits in person. Job fairs may have a theme based on a job category or industry, such as accounting or information technology.
Job fairs present the opportunity to meet and connect with hundreds of job seekers that otherwise might not have applied to their company and it also helps to save time and as it helps gauge employees’ interest in that specific opening and determine the person who fits the most for the position. It helps to follow up the strongest candidates after the job fair and schedule interviews.
Once a booth is set up at a job fair, a banner that easily identifies a company is hung, brochures and promotional items with the company’s name, logo, website and phone number to catch attendees’ attention are placed on tables for attendees to take. This may help give company additional advertising.
Despite its many advantages, companies in Nigeria have not fully maximised this tool as it is being employed in other countries of the world. Aside few other organisations employing job fair as a recruitment tool now in Nigeria, records show that the first job fair in Nigeria was probably organised by the employment agency of the Fountain of Life Church on 6 May, 2006 where over 500 applicants from school leavers to master’s degree holders attended, and well over 20 firms came in search of new jobs and some in search of a job or career change and employer too seeking to find the right people to fill their vacancies.
The reason for this negligence might be that most organisations in Nigeria have not recognised it as a powerful tool that provides opportunities for administrative, professional, technical and up to the middle management ranks.
Job fairs may be held by a third-party coordinator that asks multiple organisations to participate. To get involved in this, companies must decide the feasibility of participating on the basis of location, theme and planned advertisement and also sign up with the organiser to discuss placement of their booth.
Large companies may choose to have their own job fair. If the job fair is held in-house, companies can advertise online and in local papers, newsletters and radio and television spots as their budget allows.
Not all fairs are successfully implemented. To have a successful job fair, organisations must gather together job descriptions of open positions.
They must plan on bringing company recruiters and hiring managers for the fair.
They must meet with their team to determine what position to focus on, what kind of candidates you are seeking and how they wish to present the company, the position and themselves.
For companies to organise and implement successful job fairs, they need to be aware that recruiting at job fairs requires an eye-catching company display, the ability to provide a quick overview of the company and job openings and helps to bring potential candidates to their booths without delay, organisations must ensure that their job fair is well-publicised, well-executed and well-sponsored.
Job fair is an ideal event that brings together hiring companies and potential employees, as such, enjoying mutual values.
—Seyi Olatunji
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