Innovation
Virtual Job Fair Uses Technology to Connect Job Seekers with Employers
In an increasingly virtual world, the Susquehanna Workforce Network (SWN) plunged into the future with the region’s first virtual job fair. This first-time event exceeded all expectations.
During 11 days in December, the virtual job fair attracted 4,842 visitors looking at more than 300 specialized technical employment opportunities in acquisition, engineering, technology, and general occupations listed by premiere companies such as Aberdeen Proving Grounds, CACI, and LogSec – entities selected for their national reputation and local presence. Using an on-screen profile, job seekers could apply for one or multiple jobs instantaneously, and 1,466 people from 15 states and Canada did just that.
BRAC (Base Realignment and Closing) is expected to bring thousands of new jobs to the Susquehanna region, many requiring highly technical skills and experience. The virtual job fair made regional recruitment easy. “We were trying to attract out-commuters – residents who leave the region to work,” SWN executive director Bruce England explained. “Some of the high-skilled people we wanted wouldn’t take time off from work to come to a job fair and stand in line. This helped expand our candidate base.”
Participating companies were thrilled to participate in such an efficient and cost-effective strategy that attracted high skilled local, regional, and national talent. For example, CTSC (Chenega technology Services Corporation), which had just won a new contract requiring multiple hires, received 500 resumes. “It saved us a lot of man hours,” said CTSC’s Maile Stackpole, who was anxious to know how soon SWN would run another virtual job fair. “Don’t change a thing,” she advised. “It was perfect, and well worth the cost.”
This first virtual job fair required a lot of staff time, but it paid for itself. The Susquehanna Workforce Network and its partner, The Army Alliance, explored the idea over an 18-month period. Businesses paid $500 to post jobs, another $150 if they wanted an online profile, and an additional $125 for a chat function. In addition, business sponsors paid for banners connecting to their websites. SWN used electronic media to recruit businesses, and attracted job seekers through advertising, postings with professional associations, and social media.
For more information:
Bruce England, Executive Director
Susquehanna Workforce Network
bengland@swnetwork.org
Phone: 410.939.4240 |
