Career Solutions staff wanted a way to showcase the skills and accomplishments of job seekers they work with. A traditional job fair offers one way to do this – with job seekers visiting employer representatives with tables displaying information about the companies they work for. Under the traditional model, job seekers stop by the table and talk with the employer to learn why working for their company might be a good fit – and sharing information about themselves if they are interested in a job there.

But wonder if the job seekers could be the ones pitching their strengths at tables with displays about their skills and accomplishments and employers would be the ones going around the room learning more about each of the job seekers?

That’s what happened earlier this year at the Career Solutions Reverse Job Fair in St. Cloud. It was a great opportunity for job seekers to work on communication and networking skills and built confidence as they actively engaged with employers and showcased their talents.

Employers gained a unique perspective on potential employees, seeing their skills and interests firsthand, connecting with job seekers who were highly motivated. Plus, employers didn’t need to set up a display of their own – they were free to walk about the room in a more relaxed manner and really get to know the job seekers.

I thought the format of the Reverse Job Fair was great! It felt different being on the other side of the table. Had the opportunity to connect with many driven job seekers. I would attend this event again! 
-Sindy A., HR Generalist, Landwehr Construction, St. Cloud

The Reverse Job Fair was a fun idea. It was neat to see all the posters and signs the candidates made, and I liked how they highlighted their skills. I would attend another event like this in the future!  
-Nicole M., HR Generalist, Opportunity Matters, Sartell

The Reverse Job Fair was a fun networking event and something different that Career Solutions would like to host again!  It was a confidence booster for our job seekers and the employers enjoyed being “on the other side of the table”. Some great connections were made. Stay tuned this spring for another event! -Angie Dahle, Business Services Manager, Career Solutions 

• Learn about all the programs and services offered by Leading CareerForce Partner Career Solutions
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