Hosting a virtual recruiting event can be a great way to connect with potential candidates during times when in-person events are not possible. With some planning and the right virtual event software, you can create an engaging experience that allows attendees to learn about your company culture and job opportunities. Here are some tips on how to host a successful virtual recruiting event.
Choose the Right Virtual Event Software
The foundation of your virtual recruiting event is the web conferencing platform you use to host it. You’ll want to choose software that offers features like:
- HD video and audio for clear presentations and discussions
- Screen sharing and interactive whiteboards for delivering multimedia content
- Live polls, Q&A, and chat for attendee engagement
- Customizable registration with questions for capturing attendee data
- Dedicated support for troubleshooting any technical issues
Some popular platforms used for virtual recruiting events include Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, and ON24. Evaluate a few options to find the best fit for your needs and budget.
Plan Your Event Agenda
With your virtual platform chosen, it’s time to map out your recruiting event agenda. Outline the activities and content you want to cover to both inform and excite attendees about opportunities at your company. Here are some agenda ideas to consider:
- Welcome and introduction
- Company/culture overview video or slideshow
- Virtual office tour with photos or live streaming
- Recruiter and employee panels/Q&A sessions
- HR presentation about benefits and perks
- Manager presentations about open positions
- Live chat or Q&A with leadership
Keep your agenda organized into clear segments and limit presentations to 5-10 minutes each maximum. Allow plenty of time for interactive elements like live chat and Q&A.
Promote the Event
Start spreading the word about your virtual recruiting event through online channels like:
- Your careers page and website
- Job board listings
- Email campaigns
- Social media posts and ads
- Campus recruiting efforts
Promote the key agenda highlights, speakers, and any special offerings like giveaways or raffle prizes. Create a registration page for the event on your website with an RSVP form to gauge interest.
Prepare Speakers and Presentations
Your presenters will need to adapt their typical in-person presentations for the virtual setting. Some tips to provide:
- Add slides or visuals to keep the audience engaged on video
- Practice your talking points and transitions to keep the flow smooth
- Use concise language and speak a bit slower than usual
- Have a colleague monitor chat/Q&A and flag any questions to answer
Also work with speakers to ensure any videos, slide decks, or demos are tested and ready to share on-screen. Provide guidelines for optimal lighting and audio setup.
Prepare for Attendee Engagement
Your presenters alone won’t make for an impactful event. Encourage attendee participation by utilizing engagement features like:
- Live polls and surveys during presentations
- Q&A sessions after each speaker
- Ongoing chat moderation and responses
- Virtual whiteboard activities
- Breakout room discussions
Assign team members roles for monitoring and facilitating these engagement opportunities throughout the event. Having one dedicated moderator often works best.
Check Technology and Logistics
Nothing derails a virtual event faster than tech issues. Take time before the event to:
- Test the web conferencing platform and equipment
- Ensure speakers are comfortable sharing audio/video
- Send reminder emails with login details and links
- Print out the detailed agenda for your team to follow
- Prepare for any possible technical difficulties with a backup plan
If possible, do a full practice run-through of the event agenda to catch any issues ahead of time. This helps ensure you put your best virtual foot forward.
Start Strong with the Welcome
The opening moments of your virtual recruiting event set the tone. Greet attendees as they join with enthusiasm. Share an agenda overview, introduce speakers, and explain how to use features like chat or Q&A. Playing upbeat music while people log in gets energy flowing.
Most importantly, explain why you’re excited to have attendees there and what they’ll gain from participating. Kick things off on an inspiring note that captures attention right away.
Wrap Up with Next Steps
As your event wraps up, clearly explain next steps so attendees know what to expect post-event. For example:
- Share links to apply to open positions
- Provide contact details for recruiters or HR
- Send a follow-up email with event recordings or slides
- Offer any promotional codes or free trials
- Explain when decisions will be made for the hiring process
Let attendees know how to get in touch with any additional questions. Giving clear direction on what’s ahead shows you have a thoughtful hiring process.
Gather Feedback and Follow Up
Your work doesn’t stop once the event ends. Be sure to:
- Send a feedback survey to learn what worked and what didn’t
- Review the attendee list to identify top prospects
- Follow up via email to gauge interest and answer questions
- Track event leads and conversions in your recruitment CRM
- Share event highlights and photos on social media to keep buzz going
Prompt and thoughtful follow up reinforces to attendees that your company is organized and eager to hire quality candidates.
Key Takeaways
Hosting a successful virtual recruiting event requires an intentional approach but can greatly expand your talent pool. Keep these tips in mind:
- Use the right web conferencing platform for your needs
- Craft an agenda that balances information with interaction
- Promote on multiple channels to drive registrations
- Prepare speakers and presentations tailored for video
- Encourage participation through polls, chat, and Q&A
- Test technology and logistics thoroughly before going live
- Drive excitement in the welcome and provide clear next steps
- Collect feedback and follow up with attendees post-event
With the right approach, your virtual recruiting event can attract top talent to your company across any geographic region.
