Career fairs: are they valuable eventsc Hospitality and tourism recruiter perceptions of attributes towards participation and activities

Abstract

Abstract:The study examined the experience of hospitality and tourism industry recruiters who attended annual university career fairs sponsored by hotel and tourism departments at two major universities. The purpose of the study was to ascertain recruiter perceptions of the value of attending career fairs as a component of their companies' recruiting strategy. Recruiters attending the annual career fairs completed questionnaires. Survey results showed that recruiters perceive that career fairs are important to their companies' recruiting strategies and therefore, a valuable use of their time. Company representatives indicated that the universities were doing a good job in most aspects of the career fair with the exception of having students better prepared for the companies participating.

Unequal opportunities in accessing employability‐related programmes: South Asian graduates' experiences in Australia

“…This is because the companies at the fairs mainly granted internships, placements, or graduate programme opportunities to domestic students. Bridgstock and Jackson (2019) argue that attending university career fairs develops students' social skills and professional networks, because they are interacting with future employers in discovering vital information about the role and the workplace culture, as well as making a more meaningful impression; and university career fairs also act as a recruiting forum to attract the best talent for the company (Gordon et al, 2014). Yet in this instance, international students and graduates have limited access in gaining valuable work experiences in Australia that are vital for them to gain study‐related employment.…”

“…Secondly, graduates indicated that the university careers office should take the initiative to invite those companies to career fairs that are able to provide short-term or long-term employment opportunities to international students or graduates. According to Gordon et al (2014), companies that are able to attend such fairs have the advantage of meeting "a large number of students to meet their future workforce needs" (p. 91). Through such invitations, universities are also able to educate companies on international students and graduates' visa status-as well as the direct benefits in employing them.…”