Group interviews, job fairs and hiring events

Some employers meet many applicants at once. They may do this when a new store is opening, or before a busy season like the December holidays. You might be invited to a group interview, meet employers at a job fair, or walk into a store's hiring day.

These events can feel scary, but they are a great chance for people with no experience. Managers are looking for attitude and teamwork, and you can show both in the room.

Group interviews

In a group interview, a manager meets a small group of applicants together. Here is what often happens:

Introductions. Each person says their name and a little about themselves.
Questions to the group. The manager asks a question, and each person answers in turn.
A team activity. The group solves a simple problem together, or acts out a situation with a customer.
A short one-on-one chat at the end, sometimes.

What the manager is watching

The manager is not looking for the loudest person. They want to see:

Do you listen to others?
Do you treat everyone with respect, including the other applicants?
Can you follow instructions?
Do you stay positive when things get a little awkward?
Would customers enjoy talking to you?

How to stand out for the right reasons

Arrive about 10 minutes early. Say hello to the other applicants. Managers notice who is friendly before the interview starts.
Prepare a 30-second introduction. Say what you're doing now, one strength, and why you want this job. Our first job interview guide has an example.
Build on other people's ideas. For example: "I agree with Sam. We could also ask the customer what they need first."
Invite quieter people in. "Priya, what do you think?" This shows leadership and kindness.
Don't interrupt, and don't put anyone down. Taking over the group looks bad, not strong.
If you don't know an answer, say how you would find out. "I'd ask my supervisor" is a good answer.
In a role-play, smile, greet the "customer," listen, and offer to help. If you get stuck, say you would get a manager.
Put your phone on silent and keep it away.

Job fairs

At a job fair, many employers set up tables in one place, like a community centre, college, or mall. You walk around, talk to recruiters, and learn who is hiring.

Before you go

Check the list of employers, if the organizers share one. Pick the ones you most want to meet.
Print several copies of your resume. Bring more than you think you need.
Practise your introduction until it feels natural.

At each table

Introduce yourself with a smile and a handshake, if that feels comfortable.
Say what kind of job you want: "I'm looking for my first part-time job in a store or café."
Ask: "What entry-level jobs are you hiring for? How do I apply?"
If they tell you to apply online, do it the same day. If the form has a place for comments, mention that you met them at the job fair.
Write down the name of each person you talked to, and what they said.

To find job fairs near you, ask your local employment services office. WorkBC Centres in BC and Employment Ontario providers offer free help with job searching, resumes, and interviews (WorkBC, Employment Ontario). Read our guides to free employment help in Metro Vancouver and the GTA.

In-store hiring events

Some stores and restaurants hold their own hiring day. You may see a sign in the window or an online post, like "Hiring event Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m." Often you just walk in.

What to expect:

A line. Come early, and bring water.
A short interview on the spot, sometimes just a few questions.
Sometimes a job offer the same day.

If you get an offer, ask the important questions before you say yes:

What is the job title, and what will I do?
What is the hourly pay?
How many hours a week, and which shifts?
When would I start, and what training will I get?

You don't need your Social Insurance Number (SIN) to apply. Service Canada says your SIN is required only after you are hired (Service Canada). Paperwork like your SIN and direct deposit comes after you accept a job. See Your first week at a new job.

Watch for fake "hiring events"

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre says never to send deposits or pay fees for a job (CAFC). Be careful if a "hiring event" asks you to pay for training or a uniform, or asks for your banking details before any offer. Learn more in Job scams that target first-time job seekers.

Trial shifts must be paid

After a group interview or hiring day, you may be asked to come back for a trial shift. In both provinces, this is work, and you should be paid for it.

BC: Employment Standards gives the example of an applicant asked to work a four-hour shift to see if they can handle the work. That person is an employee and must be paid (BC Employment Standards definitions).
Ontario: Since March 21, 2024, a person who works for an employer during a trial period is an employee, and those hours count as work time (Ontario hours of work).

What to bring and wear

Bring:

Several printed copies of your resume, in a folder so they stay flat
A pen and a small notebook
Your availability, written down
A list of references on a separate page. See References when you have no work experience.
Copies of any certificates, like food safety or first aid

Wear clean, neat clothes, a little nicer than what the staff wear. Choose comfortable shoes, because you may stand or wait for a long time.

After the event

Send a short thank-you email if you got someone's contact details.
Apply online if they asked you to.
Write down where you went and who you met.
Follow up about a week later if you haven't heard back. Our guide on how to follow up has sample messages.

Next steps

Practise common questions: Your first job interview
Know what you'll need when you're hired: Your first week at a new job
Find entry-level jobs in Metro Vancouver and the Greater Toronto Area