Recruiters Seek Alternatives to the Convention Hall Recruiters World Special Reports
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The economic recession has dealt a blow to many industries and recruiting is not immune to the turbulence. The convention-hall job fair, once the premiere venue for recruiters to meet candidates, is falling off the radar screen for today's hiring companies. Event cancellations and budgetary limitations are compelling companies to look for convenient and affordable hiring solutions, relying on job boards, networks, and now TalentEvent, to fill positions.

"Companies are facing a Catch 22 with job fairs this year," says Jean Redmond, a technology recruiter from Northern Virginia. Companies have jobs, but HR departments don't have the resources to attend events. Job seekers are crowding convention halls, but downsizing and budget cuts are keeping hiring companies away. At a recent DC technology fair held by BrassRing, 18 companies showed up to meet over 3,000 job seekers -- a major reduction in company attendance from just a year ago. Numbers are similarly low in Silicon Valley, where company attendance is down by almost 50%. "We want to go, but simply can not spare the staff to attend," says Redmond.

Layoffs are also keeping companies away from the convention hall. Having just gone through a wave or two of job cuts, companies are shy to make a splash at the convention hall. "How can we sell our jobs when we just laid off?" Redmond says. "When your ex-employees are in the audience, things can get uncomfortable, even contentious," adds Redmond. As a result, many companies are favoring discretion in their recruiting practices, turning away from the convention hall and looking to alternative methods to fill positions.

"TalentEvent is the ideal event for companies facing budgetary or logistical limitations," says Christine Hirsch, TalentEvent Principal. As TalentEvent takes place online, companies do not have to travel or sacrifice staff time to attend the event. Moreover, as TalentEvent lasts 30 days, and not a harried 1 or 2, companies enjoy a much higher yield. "The whole experience is relaxed and professional." says Hirsch, "bringing a whole new level of convenience and efficiency to the job fair experience."

TalentEvent is also ideal for companies averse to facing off with the crowds at job fairs, including ex-employees. Unlike the convention-hall job fair, TalentEvent allows companies to control the degree and frequency of interaction with candidates. Recruiters can choose to chat with each candidate as they enter their booth, or eliminate direct communication altogether. TalentEvent gives companies complete control over the hiring experience.

Although today's economy holds much uncertainty, what is certain is that companies still have strong recruiting options. By bringing the traditional job fair experience online, TalentEvent gives companies a new and affordable hiring opportunity. "Launching TalentEvent during a recession is a great way to illustrate its value," says Christine Hirsch. "Sourcing may never be the same."

Recruiters World Special Reports is a timely, in-depth news series that explores vital issues and trends affecting the human-capital industry. Published monthly, Recruiters World Special Reports is presented and distributed exclusively through Recruiters World in Review. Also watch for new articles as they appear on the Recruiters World home page.