Case Study
Virtual Career Fair in Northern Virginia: Operation Retain Gen Z
Economic Development
Background
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority’s talent strategy needed to pivot from in-person events to completely virtual. Additionally, there was a new factor to consider: a remarkable spike of dissolved entry-level positions and displaced workers who needed job placement quickly due to the virus.
Strategy
DCI proposed a series of virtual career fairs, the first being for recent college graduates to browse open positions and network with hiring companies’ HR reps in the region. DCI managed and promoted the fair, built a landing page, utilized digital advertising, and placed numerous media placements. Additionally, DCI pursued creative yet targeted promotional outreach by identifying and connecting with key social media groups, relevant associations, and alumni groups.
Results
- Thirteen companies and 927 graduates from 30+ universities attended the fair, resulting in 900+ conversations between job seekers and HR reps.
- HR reps rated 66% of attendees as quality candidates (would consider hiring).
- Landed FCEDA’s virtual career fair initiative and interviews with CEO in FOX5, WUSA9 and WTOP, resulting in 3.29M media impressions with an ad equivalency of $91,461.