February 22, 2024 by SME Communications SME, in partnership with Women in Manufacturing (WiM), hosted a Virtual Career Fair on Thursday, Feb. 8, to provide networking and employment options for people interested in manufacturing who are looking for engagement regarding career opportunities. The career fair is designed to connect motivated job seekers with companies that are dedicated to supporting, promoting, and inspiring women in manufacturing. During the fairs, employers connect one-on-one with job seekers from across the country in a convenient virtual platform. The Virtual Career Fair format offers several benefits to both employers and job seekers because of its format. It allows employers to cost-effectively expand their reach and access to diverse talent beyond their geographic area, potentially attracting candidates across the U.S. It also eliminates travel, booth setup, and promotional materials costs, because of the digital nature of the fair. Other employer benefits include the ability to showcase the organization’s brand, culture, and values through customizable virtual booths; reports on attendee participation and engagement, and a complimentary job posting. Attendees benefited from the virtual format, as well. Beyond cost savings on travel, lodging, and other out-of-pocket costs, job seekers gained exclusive insights into top manufacturing companies by exploring their virtual booths and visiting an expanded number of potential employers in a single session. The career fair’s format allowed job seekers to interact with corporate recruiters attending. The format provided a firsthand look at company offerings, culture, and the available positions. It allowed attendees to showcase their skills and experiences and make a lasting impression on potential employers through their resumes which set them apart in a competitive job market. Attendees also could connect with recruiters from leading manufacturing companies without cost and could engage in meaningful conversations and discussions about potential roles virtually. The networking activities also helped attendees forge connections with other professionals, industry experts, and like-minded peers who share their passion for success. The Virtual Career Fair was attended by hundreds of job seekers over the four-hour event. SME’s virtual booth met with 30 attendees who expressed interest in SME membership, asked about the proximity of local chapters, and requested more information on student membership benefits. SME conducted two preparatory events for the Virtual Career Fair: A Career Fair 360 webinar (watch the replay on SME Connect) and an SME Career Cafe event on personal branding. Take advantage of the vast career resource center at SME Jobs Connection.
