If you're looking for work or just want to meet people who can help you find work later, going to job fairs in Vancouver is not a bad idea. Here’s why a few hours at one can actually help you a lot.
Job fairs are more helpful than they seem
A lot of people ignore job fairs because they think it’s just a big room full of people handing out flyers. But if you actually show up, talk to folks, and hand in your resume, good stuff can happen. Even if you don’t get hired right away, you’re still planting seeds for later. Especially in a busy city like Vancouver, it’s not just what you know—it’s who you bump into.
Let’s talk about some of the real-life good things that can come out of going to a job fair.
1. You can talk straight to employers
This is a big one. Most of the time, when you apply for a job online, your resume just gets dumped into a system. You never know if someone will read it. But at a job fair, you can actually talk to someone from the company. They’re right there at their booth.
You can walk up, smile, say hello, and ask what they’re looking for. If you’re lucky, they might even give you tips on how to apply or tell you to send your resume directly to them. This kind of face-to-face stuff really helps you stand out.
2. Lots of companies in one spot
Vancouver job fairs usually have all kinds of companies. Big ones, small ones, local businesses, even some government departments. You’ll find people hiring in tech, food, health care, trades, customer service, and more.
If you’re not sure what kind of job you want, just walking around and reading signs can help you figure it out. You might even find something you didn’t know you’d be into.
Plus, you save time—imagine applying to 20 jobs online versus just walking around a room for an hour and meeting 20 employers in person.
3. You get to meet people (and not just bosses)
Yes, you meet company reps and HR people. But you also run into other job seekers. And believe it or not, that’s helpful. Sometimes someone you meet at the job fair will message you later like, “Hey, that company you liked is hiring again.”
Talking to people—shaking hands, swapping tips, even just chatting while waiting in line—helps more than you think. Some people even make friends this way, or find out about job boards, groups, or meetups they didn’t know about.
In marketing, people always say “networking is everything.” That’s true for job hunting, too.
4. You get better at talking about yourself
At first, it might feel awkward. You walk up to a booth and say, “Hi, I’m looking for a job.” But after a few times, you start getting good at it. You figure out how to say what you’re good at, what you’ve done, and what kind of job you want—all in less than a minute.
This helps big time when you go to actual job interviews. You’ll sound more relaxed and sure of yourself. And even if you’re shy, these little chats help build your confidence.
It’s kind of like practice—but the good kind.
5. Free job advice, resume help, and mini-workshops
Some job fairs in Vancouver aren’t just booths. They also have free sessions where you can get someone to check your resume, tell you what needs fixing, or show you how to write a better cover letter.
Some even have short workshops on stuff like interview tips, LinkedIn, or what employers are really looking for.
This is especially helpful if you haven’t applied to jobs in a while, or if you’re new to how hiring works in Canada.
6. You figure out what companies want
Even if you don’t land a job right away, just walking around and talking to companies shows you what’s going on. You’ll start to notice patterns.
Maybe five companies are all asking if you know Excel. Or they want someone who’s worked with customers before. That tells you what skills are hot right now.
You can take that info and work on those skills at home or online. That way, the next time you go to a job fair—or apply for jobs—you’re more ready.
It’s also great for people in marketing, sales, and service jobs, where trends move fast and you’ve got to keep up.
7. Super useful for newcomers to Canada
If you’re new to Vancouver, especially if you moved here from Iran or another country, job fairs can really help you feel like you’re getting somewhere.
You might not have a Canadian resume yet. You might not know anyone here. You might be nervous about your English. That’s okay. Job fairs are one of the few places where none of that stops you from trying.
Many booths have people who understand what it’s like to start fresh in Canada. Some companies even look for newcomers because they bring fresh ideas and work hard.
If you’re Persian, you’ll probably even spot other Farsi speakers at the fair—and that always helps you feel more at home.
Extra tip: Bring these things with you
To make the most of a job fair, come prepared. Bring:
- At least 10 printed resumes
- A pen and notepad (old school but useful)
- A bag to carry flyers or company info
- Business cards, if you have them
- Water and a snack (some events are long)
Dress clean and simple. You don’t need a suit, but don’t show up in sweatpants either.
In Case You Forgot the Point
Job fairs in Vancouver aren’t magic. You won’t always get hired on the spot. But if you show up, talk to people, and try, something usually comes out of it.
You might meet someone who remembers you later. You might pick up a good idea. You might just feel better knowing you’re doing something.
And in a city as big and busy as Vancouver, showing your face and shaking hands goes a long way.
So yeah—give job fairs a chance. You’ve got nothing to lose.