College and university career fairs are a staple event of the campus recruitment industry, and it’s easy to understand why.

Recruiters get to interact with a wide variety of students, and attendees have the chance to learn more about potential employers – it’s the kind of event that satisfies both sides of the campus recruitment spectrum.

But recently, some schools have been putting a new twist on the traditional concept in the form of reverse career fairs. These events are similar to the original, except the roles are switched. In this case, the students create the displays and handout materials, and the employers get to walk around and talk with presenters.

If you’re looking for a new event to add to your campus recruitment roster, here are 4 reasons why the reverse career fair should be at the top of your list!

1. A more open and relaxed environment

Let’s face it: it can be intimidating for students to approach an employer at a recruitment event, and even more so in today’s increasingly competitive job market.

Since reverse career fairs flip this idea on its head, students are typically more relaxed and comfortable because they have more control over the interaction. Additionally, since they don’t need to spend time setting up a booth and preparing materials, it’s less work for recruiters to attend an event like this.

2. Get access to top students

Many reverse career fairs require students to go through an application process in order to join the event. Therefore, when you attend these types of fairs, you know that you’ll be meeting some of the best talent the school has to offer.

Additionally, every company wants candidates who are willing to go the extra mile to achieve positive results. Since reverse career fairs require students to put in a little more work than a traditional career fair, it’ll make it easier for you to identify candidates that suit your company’s needs and culture.

3. Makes an egg-cellent conversation starter

For campus recruiters, attending a career fair typically involves hundreds of students asking the same questions – “What kinds of skills and experience are you looking?” “What are the characteristics of a success employee?” – sound familiar?

Fortunately, reverse career fairs give you the opportunity to connect with your talent pool on a more personal level. You get more insight into their motivations and passions, which in turn can help you establish lasting relationships with student leaders and campus organizations.

4. Get to see what students can do

At traditional career fairs, it can be hard for attendees to stand out to potential employers when they’re standing shoulder to shoulder with hundreds of their peers. This is why many students and new grads prefer smaller and more intimate recruitment events like reverse career fairs where they can really capture the attention of company representatives.

Furthermore, through the creation of displays and marketing materials, students get to highlight their talents and expertise to recruiters in a way that would be impossible with a resume or job application alone.

Tip: If you like the idea of a reverse career fair, but don’t have the extra travel time in your schedule, consider hosting a TalentEgg Challenge! It combines the opportunity to see students apply their skills, with the ease of an online platform. Find out more here.

So if you’re looking for a fresh approach to an old recruitment standby, look no further than the reverse career fair. It’s one of the most egg-citing new ways to meet a variety of high-quality candidates, and build your brand on campus at the same time!

Discussion: Have you participated in a Reverse Career Fair? If yes, how was your experience?

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