Hundreds check out vacancies and employers as Echo online site goes live

A surge of online visitors greeted the launch of the Echo Virtual Jobs Fair, the new recruitment platform which went live this week.

More than 400 potential jobseekers checked out echojobfair.co.uk on its first day. By the end of Tuesday, the online facility had accumulated 1,418 hits.

“Visitors were clicking on the site within a few moments of its activation on Monday,” says Sarah Sanderson, digital commercial manager, Newsquest Essex. “The pace hasn’t let up since. There has been huge interest.”

The virtual facility replicates familiar real-world jobs fairs. Visitors to the site can move from stand to stand on their pad, laptop or mobile screen.

Sarah says: “Anyone checking out the job market can take a look at a potential employer’s profile, and check out the current vacancies. They can do it at any time, any place, 24/7. And they can do it without having to travel anywhere, make an appointment, or join a queue.

“Job fairs have for a long time been a popular way to match supply and demand in the recruitment market. This site carries all the advantages and none of the downsides of a traditional fair.”

While jobseekers search out vacancies, those with jobs to offer have the opportunity to book a virtual stand.

Sarah says: “As at any familiar business fair, they can use the stand to demonstrate what their company is all about, and what they have to offer.”

Paul McDonald, classified sales and recruitment manager for Newsquest Essex, says: “We believe the Virtual Jobs Fair offers a great new tool for anyone looking for, or offering, a job.

“The gratifying take-up by our clients suggests they too have recognised the impact the new site will have on the recruitment market.

“While these are early days, of course, we anticipate that the site will prove a very effective, and cost-effective, recruitment tool for everyone who chooses to make use of it.”

Nine employers have already signed up for stands.

Paul says: “Quite a few others have seen the advantage and are showing a keen interest,”

For employers, there is another advantage not on offer at traditional bricks-and-mortar fairs.Instead of a display running for just one or two days, the stand and its wares remain on show for a three-month period.

Sarah says: “In the Virtual Jobs Fair we have what we believe is the most technically advanced and wide-ranging site of its type in the south east.

“However, while deploying the latest fast and stable technology, it also benefits from the Echo’s long links with, and knowledge of, the local communities it serves.

“Users know from the start they are dealing with a reliable and established name.”

STALLHOLDERS SO FAR...

* Newsquest Essex * Freshfields * HiltonCare * SBS Cleaning Support Service * Essex Police * Essex Fire and Rescue * Plantexpand Ltd * Industrial Chemicals Ltd * Anglia Case Management Check out the new site at echojobfair.co.uk