Employer Guide: How to Prepare for a RecruitMilitary Career Fair

RecruitMilitary Career Fairs connect employers with high-quality veteran and military spouse talent. Use this step-by-step guide to prepare your team, stand out, and make the most of your investment.

Before the Career Fair

1. Select and Assign the Right Representatives

   • Bring personable, outgoing, and knowledgeable representatives who are passionate about your company and its job openings.
   • Choose reps who will actively engage job seekers — not wait passively to be approached.
   • A military background is a bonus and helps your team relate to attendees.
   • Important: Inform your RecruitMilitary Client Success Coordinator of your team members for each event so they receive the electronic check-in link and event details ahead of time.

2. Make Sure Your Table and Recruiters Stand Out

   • Ensure your reps are easily identifiable — wear company-branded shirts or badges.
   • If your reps are veterans, add a sign: “John Smith — Navy Veteran” or “Mary Clark — Army Veteran.”
   • Brand your table to stand out. Use displays, banners, and backdrops that attract candidates and reflect your company culture.

3. Identify Your Job Opportunities

   • Post your open positions manually in your organization’s event profile on the RecruitMilitary job board.
   • Ensure your reps are familiar with available roles and can discuss them confidently.
   • If candidates must apply online, clearly explain why — transparency improves their experience and perception of your brand.

4. Advertise Your Participation at the Career Fair

   • Use your company’s marketing and social media to promote your presence at the event.
   • Post on LinkedIn, X, and Facebook to let job seekers know you’ll be there with opportunities for veterans.

5. Build Your Brand and Reputation in the Veteran Community

   • Instead of saying “apply online,” help candidates understand why — and make it personal.
   • Explain that online applications help recruiters view and forward their resume internally.
   • Provide insight into your company culture and hiring process to make their visit meaningful.
   • Scan every visitor’s QR code to track booth interactions and plan follow-ups effectively.

At the Career Fair

1. Break the Ice

   Make candidates comfortable by asking engaging questions:

   • “What branch of the service were you in?”
   • “What’s your area of expertise?”
   • “What kind of career are you looking for next?”

2. Make the Job Seekers Comfortable

   • Greet each job seeker warmly and make them feel welcome.
   • Give them space to share their background and goals.
   • Remember — you’re not just representing your company, you’re shaping their impression of it.

3. Engage Job Seekers

   • Be proactive. Don’t wait for job seekers to come to you.
   • Start conversations, especially if they may not recognize your brand.
   • Ask what positions interest them and share relevant openings.

4. Know Your Talent Pool

   • Expect a mix of transitioning service members, reservists, National Guard, veterans, and military spouses.
   • Each brings different experience levels — from entry-level to executive-ready.

5. Scan Candidates’ QR Codes

   • Scan every visitor’s code to create a personal, trackable connection.
   • Explain how this helps recruiters follow up efficiently.

6. Don’t Leave Early

   • Stay until the end — late-arriving veterans have often traveled long distances.
   • Leaving early reflects poorly on your brand and the event experience.

7. Thank Them

   • Thank each veteran and spouse sincerely for their service and time.
   • Your gratitude builds goodwill and strengthens your employer brand.

8. Schedule Interviews

   • Act quickly to schedule follow-ups with promising candidates.
   • High-demand talent gets multiple offers — prompt communication gives you the edge.

Ready to meet your next hire? Explore upcoming RecruitMilitary Career Fairs and connect with qualified veterans today.