In November 2022, the Career and Experiential Learning Department at Thompson Rivers University (Kamloops, BC) utilized a flipped classroom approach for a recruitment event in our Business Co-op program. Terming this approach a “Virtual Reverse Job Fair”, students created virtual booths and employers circulated as participants to review and connect with students. Only employers with job postings were invited, which resulted in an increase in co-op job offers for Winter 2023 semester.
The Reverse Job Fair provided students with an opportunity to showcase their achievements and talents to potential employers.
Student benefits of participating:
- To practice networking skills with employers
- To expand professional relationships
- To prepare a professional portfolio (i.e. resume, intro video, website)
- To articulate skills, strengths, and qualifications, which prepares you for future interviews
- To secure a Co-op work term for the summer
- To get a sense of the work employers experience when setting up a typical Job Fair recruiting booth
How a Reverse Job Fair Works:
- Students created a virtual booth that contains your resume, an example of work, transcripts, and a short introduction video.
- Employers attended the event and search through booths and reach out to students they are interested in interviewing.
- Formal interviews were scheduled outside of the reverse job fair platform.