In the current world of social distancing, online classes, and working from home, more and more career centers are looking into hosting a virtual career fair for the first time. For those of you that are used to hosting in-person fairs, there are lots of questions and unknowns that might be holding you back from committing to a virtual event. We’re here to help try to answer some of those questions.

Contingency plan… this seems to be the primary thought for our customers as they contemplate career fairs in the time of COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus). In the near term, with lockdowns spreading across the world, a career fair is unthinkable. But in the months ahead there is great uncertainty as to when things will get back to normal. Fair organizers are faced with the unenviable task of planning in-person fairs for the Fall while also contemplating the possibility of a resurgence of the virus and continued travel bans. Many are turning to virtual career fairs as their best alternative.

The modern workplace has changed a lot in recent years. An attractive salary alone is no longer enough to attract the top talent poised to break new ground.

In our assessment of today's young professionals, here at Career Fair Plus we detailed how Gen Z values a work/life balance above other considerations when it comes to picking employers. And as today's most significant industries undergo rapid digital transformation, achieving a work/life balance has become much more attainable through tech-enabled, creative, and flexible new workplace models. Across certain cities in America, flexible scheduling options, partial to full-time remote working set-ups, coworking spaces, and coliving/coworking residences are now becoming part of the new business ecosystem, creating spaces and opportunities for Gen Z and like-minded individuals to thrive.

Kansas City, Missouri

It takes more than an attractive salary to woo the top talent these days. Whereas the previous generations may have been primarily interested in earning the most money, millennials and Gen Zers have different priorities. Young professionals today are looking for workplaces that maintain a healthy work/life balance or companies that are willing to contribute to their student loan debt. In short, if HR managers want their businesses to stand out for today’s best and brightest, they need to rethink the types of perks and benefits they offer.

For example, many young jobseekers want positions that feature flexible working options such as telecommuting and varying start times. These professionals also have a deeper appreciation of their mental health than their predecessors. This means an office that offers wellness programs such as yoga can be much more appealing to them.

The fact that so many millennials are in dual-income households means they want employers who are willing to give them extended maternity and paternity leave when they start families. On the other hand, many are waiting longer to have children. In the meantime, companies that provide on-site pet care and other conveniences for their four-legged family members can have an advantage when hiring.

Times are changing, and so are the priorities of the average job candidate. To avoid being left in the dust, your business will have to reevaluate the benefits it provides. See the accompanying infographic for some more ideas you can use to hire and retain exceptional young people at your organization.

You marked your calendar for the career fair coming up next week. You polished your resumé, you did your homework on the companies that are going to be there, practiced your elevator pitch, and you know your strengths just in case any questions come up.

Great start. Finally, you need to shift your attention to the first impression. The way you come across in that first meeting can set the standard of how someone views all of your work, for better or worse. Make sure your first impression will leave feelings of professionalism and preparedness with any future connection.