Reverse Job Fairs

group of teens at job fair

This past fall Crystal Kothbauer, a Promise Counselor, was involved in the planning of WDA 8’s first annual Reverse Job Fair and Employment Event, which was coordinated through Eau Claire Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) office.

The event took place on October 12, 2016 in Altoona, Wisconsin and was held in honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

What is a Reverse Job Fair?

A reverse job fair is an event that involves job seekers marketing their skills and abilities through resume and portfolio displays, while employers seek them out to discuss job opportunities. All participants took part in preparation workshops where they learned how to market themselves and their skills to employers through the creation of visual boards and portfolios, as well as on-the-spot interviews.

The boards and portfolios were displayed so that employers could quickly and easily learn about the participant when approaching their tables to discuss potential employment opportunities. The presentations were impressive. All Promise consumers and their family members left the event with potential leads and some left having scheduled upcoming interviews with employers.

Discussion Panel

In addition, the event featured an employer panel, which included local employers who have partnered with DVR for ongoing programs such as Project Search and Hospitality Trainings. The panel included Blake Lattimore, an event attendee, and his current employer, Micon Cinemas. Blake worked with DVR to find employment with the movie theater and expressed during the panel that, “It’s amazing. It’s my dream job.”

Upcoming Job Fairs

  • Newaukee’s YP Week | April 24, 2017 | 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM at the Charles Allis Art Museum, Milwaukee | Sign up today!
  • Do you know of a Reverse Job Fair coming up in your area? Share the event with us in our comment section below!

Other Job Fairs: Visit Job Fairs in Wisconsin