By Sherry Bruck, Career Center Operator
If you’re looking for work in today’s competitive job market, you need every advantage you can get. The Hudson Valley Virtual Career Fair—held every month by the New York State Department of Labor (NYS DOL)—is helping job seekers connect with employers across industries, all without leaving home.
Preview Day Prepares Job Seekers for the Live Event
One of the career fair’s most popular features is the preview day, which gives job seekers time to browse participating companies, review job postings, and prepare your questions before the event begins. That way, when the fair opens, you can jump straight into conversations with hiring managers—already informed, focused, and ready to make a great impression.
Easy to Use, Easy to Navigate
For many job seekers, the first pleasant surprise is how user-friendly the platform is. “It is a clever and easy experience,” one participant said. Another added, “I think the virtual fair’s software is very user-friendly!”
You don’t have to be tech-savvy to get started. From the moment you log in, the dashboard clearly displays employers, job listings, and ways to connect. NYS DOL staff are available to help and answer questions in real time. “I appreciate the communication and reminders, the responsiveness of the DOL staff, and the offered workshops,” one job seeker noted.
Real-Time Conversations with Employers
Unlike applying through a job board and waiting weeks to hear back, the virtual fair lets you speak with recruiters right away. “I like that the HR reps responded right away and told me where to send my resume,” one participant said.
Many job seekers walk away with multiple interviews. “I had 3 interviews. Hopefully, I will get a job offer,” one said. Another shared, “The January Job Fair was very good—I was able to apply to 4 positions and got one interview.”
From Application to Job Offer
The Hudson Valley Virtual Career Fair isn’t just about meeting employers—it’s about getting hired. Many participants have secured positions quickly after attending.
“I am starting a position in February. I am genuinely thankful for the help and support,” one job seeker shared. Another said, “I completed the virtual training and signed an employment contract.
The positions landed range from customer service and sales to healthcare, education, and public service, including roles like Registered Behavior Technician, RN, Caseworker, Lead Teacher, and Security Officer.
A Flexible, Low-Stress Way to Job Hunt
Because the fair is entirely online, you can participate from anywhere—at home, in a library, or on the go. And you’re not rushed; the fair stays open for the entire event window, allowing you to visit multiple booths at your own pace.
One participant explained, “I liked best that the virtual job fair was open the entire window, allowing me to go at my own pace and really look through the employers, positions, and even training courses.”
Another said, “It was a good opportunity for me to reach out to an employer I had been trying to get in touch with—this way I was able to make a personal contact, which was helpful.”
Engaging and Informative
The fair offers much more than job postings. You can chat with recruiters, watch webinars, and get advice that helps you stand out as a candidate. If an employer can’t answer your question immediately, many will follow up after the fair.
“I was able to get my questions about job opportunities answered from recruiters, and if they didn’t know, they asked the hiring manager and got back to me via email,” one attendee said.
In Conclusion:
The Hudson Valley Virtual Career Fair is designed to:
- Give you advance access to employer information through the preview day
- Provide a user-friendly platform that’s easy to navigate
- Let you connect directly with hiring managers in real time
- Offer a wide variety of opportunities across multiple industries
- Deliver real results, from interviews to job offers
If you’re serious about finding a job, the Hudson Valley Virtual Career Fair is worth your time. With monthly events, helpful preview days, and direct access to employers, it’s a smart, efficient way to take control of your job search. You could walk away with an interview, a new contact, or even your next career move—all without leaving home.
To register go to: https://nysdolvirtual.easyvirtualfair.com/landing
To learn how to navigate a virtual career fair go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kjJSqO9C4o