Career fairs are one of the best ways to connect with top talent face-to-face, but standing out in a crowded room takes more than just showing up with a booth. At Hireology, we’ve partnered with countless businesses across industries like healthcare, retail automotive, and hospitality to help them attract, engage, and hire the right candidates.
We know what works — and we’re here to share those insights with you. Whether you’re looking to fill critical roles quickly or build a pipeline of future talent, these tips will help you make the most of your next career fair. From creating a standout booth to leveraging the latest hiring technology, these are the pro tips you need to move your hiring efforts forward.
Let’s dive in and explore how you can turn career fair attendees into your next great hires.
1. Make Applications Quick and Easy
The first step to attracting top talent is making it easy for them to apply. Did you know that over 45% of applicants abandon applications that require them to create an account? With Hireology, you can create short, mobile-friendly applications that candidates can complete on the spot — no logins required.
By removing unnecessary barriers, you’ll increase the chances of turning career fair attendees into applicants, helping you fill roles faster.
2. Keep Your Career Site Up to Date and Engaging
Your career site is often the first place candidates go after meeting you at a career fair. In fact, over 40% of applicants check out a company’s career site before applying. Make sure yours is up to date, engaging, and reflective of your company culture.
Highlight current openings, showcase employee testimonials, and clearly explain benefits. A polished, informative career site can make all the difference in converting interest into applications.
3. Leverage Employee Referrals
Employee referrals are one of the most effective ways to bring qualified applicants to your career fair—15% of job seekers say they look to employee testimonials or referrals before applying. By encouraging your team to invite friends or former colleagues, you tap into a network of candidates you already know and trust. Hireology makes it easy to track referrals and reward employees, helping you expand your reach and attract top talent—it’s a win-win for everyone.
4. Use QR Codes for Instant Access
QR codes are a game-changer at career fairs. With Hireology, you can generate custom QR codes for specific job openings or your entire career site. Place these codes prominently at your booth so attendees can scan and apply instantly.
Plus, with Hireology’s Insights dashboard, you can track which QR codes drive the most applications, helping you measure ROI and refine your strategy for future events.
5. Make Flyers That Convert
Flyers are a simple yet effective way to leave a lasting impression. Use Hireology’s Flyer Generator to create eye-catching, on-brand flyers with customizable templates through Canva. Include your QR codes, highlight key job details like pay and benefits, and make it clear why candidates should apply. A well-designed flyer can keep your company top-of-mind long after the career fair ends.
6. Create a Clear, Branded Booth Experience
Now that your flyers are ready to display, it’s time to consider the overall look and feel of your booth. A visually engaging booth with consistent branding—including company colors, logos, and messaging about open roles and core values—not only draws attendees in but also makes your company memorable long after the fair.
7. Add Interactive Elements to Your Booth
Beyond a polished booth design, adding interactive activities can spark curiosity and draw even more traffic to your space. Consider hosting a quick demo, running a fun quiz, offering branded giveaways, or setting up a simple game tied to your roles or industry. These hands-on experiences not only capture attention in the moment but also leave a lasting impression on attendees.
8. Pre-Screen for Fit and Qualifications
Since you’re already making it easy for candidates to apply with QR codes and a simple application, take it a step further by having them complete their pre-screen at the fair. With Hireology, applicants automatically receive a role-specific pre-screen survey as soon as they apply. Guiding them through this step on the spot speeds up the process and helps you line up interviews with qualified candidates even faster.
9. Follow Up Quickly
You’ve successfully engaged career fair attendees, but following up quickly with qualified candidates is just as important. Over 50% of applicants expect to be interviewed within four days of applying; timely communication is key. With Hireology, candidates can complete mobile-friendly applications right from their phones, making it easier for them to apply on the spot. You can then send automated emails or text messages to let them know their application is being reviewed—and use the same tools to schedule interviews. Prompt follow-up keeps your company top-of-mind and increases the likelihood of converting applicants into hires.
10. Track and Optimize Your Efforts
Even after the career fair wraps up, the work isn’t over. Take time to analyze which flyers, QR codes, or booth activities drove the most applications. Hireology’s analytics make it easy to track performance and measure ROI, giving you the insights you need to refine your hiring process. By learning what works best, you can make your next career fair even more successful and continue attracting top talent.
Ready to Attract Top Talent?
At Hireology, we’re here to help you hire for how you operate, who you need, and what you’re working to achieve. Our platform is purpose-built to streamline your hiring process, from creating mobile-friendly applications to automating follow-ups and tracking results.
Career fairs are a powerful in-person opportunity to connect with candidates, but success requires preparation and the right tools. By following these tips and leveraging Hireology’s platform, you can stand out from the crowd, engage top talent, and fill your roles faster.
Let’s partner to make your next career fair a success. Visit www.hireology.com to learn more and get started today.
