Job fairs allow job seekers to meet and network with employers to learn about job opportunities, and may include on-the-spot interviews for available positions.
The City of Toronto works with private sector and community partners to offer a variety of hiring events and employment information sessions. See the employment and career-related events calendar to learn about upcoming events.
For job seekers, a job fair can be a valuable opportunity to:
- research careers and learn about labour market trends
- meet employers and make a positive impression
- interview for available positions
You can get help to prepare for a job fair. Visit an Employment & Social Services office for help with your job search, resume and interview skills.
Getting Ready for the Job Fair
- Know the employers that will be at the fair and research the ones that interest you.
- For one-on-one resumé help and interview tips, you can visit an Employment & Social Services office before the day of the fair.
- Bring a number of updated resumés for each of your career choices. You may also find it helpful to bring electronic copies of your resumé saved on a USB stick.
- Practice a 30 second “sales pitch” of your background for when you meet with employers. Your pitch should answer these questions:
- who am I? (education, experience, skills, hobbies)
- why do I want to work for you? (goals and why you are interested in the company)
- why should you hire me? (highlight skills and experience)
- Dress professionally for the job you want. Be neat and tidy.
- Prepare for on-the-spot interviews and be ready to fill out job applications at the fair.
- Before the job fair, a list of employers may be available. Decide which employers are most important for you, so you can visit them first on the day of the fair.
Attending the Job Fair
- Arrive at the job fair early. Meet employers on your own rather than with your friends.
- Make a good first impression. Be calm, confident, smile and shake hands with the employers.
- Share only positive comments about past employers or jobs.
- Make notes about conversations that you have with employers. Collect their business cards so that you can follow up with them after the fair.
- Network with other job seekers to learn from their experiences.
After the Job Fair
- Follow-up with a phone call or email to the employers you met.
- If you had been asked for more information, send it quickly.
- Your email address and voice-mail greeting make an impression. Be sure it is the right impression for an employer.
- Visit employers’ websites from time to time to check for ongoing opportunities.
The City provides hiring help to local employers through job fairs and other initiatives.