The National Retail Federation announced it will host its first-ever Virtual Career Fair, designed to connect students and young professionals seeking entry-level careers and internships with leading retailers.
Recruiters from companies such as DICK’s Sporting Goods, Five Below, HSN, H-E-B, and Radioshack will participate in the virtual event, offering one-on-one interviews for the registered students and professionals who would like to connect with them. The career fair is free for jobseekers, open to all students and young professionals, and will take place Wednesday, October 16, from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. EDT.
"At corporate offices or through store leadership positions, retail offers incredible opportunities for students and young people just starting their careers,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. “We’re excited to be able to bring recruiters and students together to help companies fill talent needs with high-performing students and young professionals.”
As of October 9, participating employers include:
- Armstrong Garden Centers
- Crate & Barrel
- DICK’s Sporting Goods
- Five Below
- Gordmans
- H-E-B
- HSN
- Kohl’s
- Macy’s
- Modell’s Sporting Goods
- Nordstrom
- Radioshack
- Starbucks
- UncommonGoods
- Walgreens
The career fair provides jobseekers with the opportunity to connect live and one-on-one with recruiters, share information about their background and experience, discuss their resume, and find out more about the retail company and the opportunities it offers. Following each virtual chat with a recruiter, jobseekers can go back to the “Event Lobby” and select additional recruiters to chat with from other companies.
Retailers can create their own fully customizable virtual booth that allows executives to engage in online chats with qualified students and young professionals, during which their resumes, work histories, and more will be available. Retailers can also rate their interactions and record notes about each candidate in order to conduct follow up interviews with desired candidates.