JobsFair.ie

A revolutionary online jobs fair will mark a transition in the way jobseekers can research companies currently recruiting and apply for positions

Jobs Fair LoadzaJobs.ie has devised an entertaining and innovative way for jobseekers to check out prospective employers, learn more about a particular industry, glean handy career advice and, ultimately, post their CVs to HR departments from the comfort of their armchair. The first JobsFair will run from 19 May to 1 June, and every three months after. It is open 24/7, giving jobseekers the luxury of two weeks to check out their options, refine their career goals and secure that job. Michael Wallace, commercial director, LoadzaJobs.ie, says visitors to the website will see a very similar set-up to the traditional job fair. They can log onto the fair, seek information on salaries, view in-depth industry profiles, download company brochures, leave CVs and register for online courses. As this is the first online recruitment fair of its kind in Ireland, the aim is to assess and react to the changing requirements of jobseekers. The first JobsFair will showcase companies in the pharmaceutical, science, medical and technology sectors. Wallace says these sectors were chosen because they are still experiencing growth. The type of jobs advertised will appeal to the new generation of technology-savvy recruits. Information about jobs and companies has been presented on the website in a chic and creative format. Jobseekers can download a company's virtual brochure or listen to career podcasts covering a variety of topics from some of Ireland's leading industry experts. JobsFair is well represented in terms of company sizes, but it leans towards the larger brands because they are recruiting the most. Wallace says the site will display some of the best companies hiring at present, with more than 1,000 jobs advertised. Aside from being virtual, the main difference between JobsFair and a traditional recruitment fair is it runs for a fortnight, compared to just one day, allowing people more accessibility. It is also industry or sector-focused. You also avoid many of the stresses associated with traditional recruitment fairs - time, travel and resources. It's all about providing the jobseeker with control, he explains. Logging onto a virtual fair for an hour is much less intrusive than having to take a day off work to attend an event in person. It's the start of a recruitment revolution; instead of being tied to a time frame or location, it opens up opportunities for jobseekers and employers alike to connect at any time. The right fit Other benefits includes giving jobseekers the chance to choose exactly what information they want and providing them with the tools and advice they need to put together succinct and targeted CVs. We're enhancing and speeding up the process, making it much simpler for the jobseeker to find the company they are most interested in working with, says Wallace. This online initiative is also an excellent portal for those looking at companies from a different, more tailored angle, as visitors to the site will be able to view profiles and learn more about their brands, in addition to what a particular firm has to offer. The other benefit is it gives you insight into the industry itself, as we will be profiling each sector, he says. While the first online fair will only target the science, pharmaceutical, medical and technology spheres, plans are under way to roll JobsFair out across other sectors throughout the year. The next JobsFair in September will feature career opportunities in the Financial Services, Legal, Sales & Marketing Sectors. Reaping the rewards With more individuals turning to the internet to search for employment opportunities, online jobs fairs have multiple benefits for certain types of jobseekers in that they don't have to travel, polish up their CV in advance or put on a suit. Wallace says going online also reaps the best results in terms of return on investment, saving time and money. Jobseekers will find it interesting to have infomercials in the form of podcasting. They'll absorb it faster. And if individuals cannot visit the live site during the two-week period, it will be available thereafter as an archive on the LoadzaJobs.ie website. www.loadzajobs.ie Carmel Doyle Whitespace Ltd 2008