Career Fair: Mediocre to Fair

MHCC’S RECENT FAIR LEFT OUR COLUMNIST WONDERING: WERE STUDENTS THERE FOR THE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES OR THE FREE VEGETABLE TRAYS?

I went to the MHCC Career Fair on Oct. 30. I have to say, the community was nice, and the stands themselves were very inviting. I saw the employer representatives answering many questions from people who seemed genuinely interested. But I wondered if some attendees were just there for the goodies and snacks, rather than actually seeking a job. It made me think about what motivates people to attend events like this – is it the chance to connect with real job opportunities, or just a fun outing with free stuff?

When I asked about a couple of jobs mostly out of curiosity, the representatives simply directed me to the company websites to apply. It felt like Indeed.com, but in person – and I couldn’t even apply right there.

This felt impersonal and a little disappointing. The whole point of a career fair should be to make job opportunities more accessible, yet we participants were still pushed online. A more helpful approach might be for recruiters to review resumés on-site and give immediate feedback, or offer mini-interviews to make the experience meaningful and worth attending. 

I also noticed that some representatives were non-native English speakers, and I felt proud of them for stepping forward and trying something new. It takes courage to represent a company and communicate in a second language, especially when interacting with so many people. This added a sense of diversity to the event, and it was great to see people pushing themselves to overcome language barriers. It made me think about how career fairs could provide language support or translation services to further bridge communication gaps and create a welcoming environment for all.

This experience made me consider how career fairs could be more effective overall.

Teachers who encourage students to attend and send out emails about the event should also remind people to bring a resumé. If I were a company genuinely looking to hire, I’d want more than just giving out information; I’d set up a stand where applicants could submit a resumé, and I’d review them afterward to call promising candidates. That’s what a career fair should be: a way to speed up the hiring process and build connections with potential colleagues. For job seekers, it would make a real difference to feel they left with genuine prospects, not just pamphlets.

There should also be preparation days for people who need extra support before the fair. For instance, a “resumé workshop day” could help people polish their resumés, practice interview questions, and get guidance from professionals. Then, on the career fair day, they could hand their resumés directly to recruiters, and if companies are truly hiring, they should be prepared to consider applications right there. This approach would help the event feel more impactful for job seekers and demonstrate that companies are actively interested in hiring.

Here’s an expanded and polished version of my thoughts, integrating my ideas about interactive elements and honesty in job descriptions:

1) When I went to the career fair, I was hoping to see a more interactive setup with skills workshops or demonstrations by companies. It would be helpful to see firsthand what each job involves, rather than just hearing a polished summary. Personally, I’d be more eager to apply for a role if companies were transparent about both the positives and the downsides. A realistic picture would help people like me, and others, understand what they’re truly signing up for. When companies are clear about the challenges of a job, it attracts people who are more prepared and committed – those who understand the role and aren’t likely to quit once they’re hired.

2) We also need on-the-spot resumé reviews or mini-interviews at these events. Walking around Gresham, there are so many “help wanted” signs, yet a lot of people are struggling to find jobs that suit them. It’s clear there’s a gap in connecting people with the right opportunities. An event like this could be the bridge, but it needs a committed effort to engage with job seekers on a deeper level. Setting up spaces where people can hand in resumés, get feedback, or even participate in short interviews would be a huge step forward in making these fairs impactful.

3) We do have a Career Center, and I know there’s even a writing tutor – I’m actually one myself – who has helped many people. But word hasn’t really spread about these resources being available to Mt. Hood students. If more people knew about these services, it might lead to more successful outcomes at events like the career fair. Spreading the word about our Career Center and tutoring resources could make a huge difference, encouraging students to take advantage of these supports and come to career fairs better prepared.

4) Overall, I was proud to see so many people attending, talking about applying, and genuinely interested in finding work. Despite high inflation and the current job market struggles, there was a hopeful energy in the crowded Vista Hall Dining Room. It was inspiring to see people determined to connect with employers, even in a tough economy.

Mary Nashed