Bringing Talent to the Table: Reverse Job Fairs Offer a New Way to Connect
If you’re a business looking to hire—or simply interested in the future talent pipeline—mark your calendars for the end of April and mid-May. The Yakima County Development Association (YCDA), in partnership with Toppenish High School, Swan Graphics, YV-Tech, and South Central Workforce, will host two Reverse Job Fairs. These events will feature students currently enrolled in vocational and career-and-technical-education programs, giving employers a unique opportunity to connect with homegrown talent trained right here in Yakima County.
What is a Reverse Job Fair?
At a traditional job fair, employers set up tables and wait for job seekers to visit. When a job seeker stops by, the employer shares information about their workplace, describes the positions they’re hiring for, and may accept a resume or schedule an interview. The focus is typically on the employer’s needs, and the interaction is often brief and one-directional.
A Reverse Job Fair flips that script—placing job seekers in the spotlight. Instead of employers hosting booths, it’s the job seekers who set up tables or displays. They use this space to present their skills, resumes, and examples of their work. Depending on their background or training, this might include a graphic design portfolio, a programming or robotics project, welding or construction work, or other hands-on accomplishments.
Employers walk the floor, stopping to talk with job seekers, ask questions, and learn more about their experience and interests. The format allows for more in-depth conversations and gives job seekers the chance to showcase and explain their skills in their own words. It also provides a more interactive, relationship-building environment, making it easier for employers to see not just what a candidate has done, but also how they communicate, present themselves, and align with a company’s culture or goals.
Employers get a better sense of each student’s background, interests, and potential, while students gain confidence and exposure to career opportunities. It’s a win-win that traditional job fairs don’t always provide.
These events are part of YCDA’s broader mission to strengthen Yakima County’s workforce pipeline. By connecting local businesses with emerging talent from high schools and technical programs, we’re laying a foundation for sustained economic growth and community vitality.
Free registration for businesses is available online.
• Toppenish High School Reverse Job Fair
Date: Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Location: Toppenish High School
• Yakima Valley Technical Skills Center (YV-Tech) Reverse Job Fair
Date: Thursday, May 15, 2025
Location: YV-Tech
Even if you’re not actively hiring right now, YCDA encourages you to stop by and explore. Seeing the range of talents and skills in our local workforce can help you plan for upcoming staffing needs—or spark ideas for new roles altogether.
In an ever-evolving job market, creativity and collaboration are essential. The Reverse Job Fair model checks both boxes—empowering job seekers while giving employers fresh insights into the up-and-coming talent in our region. Whether you’re on the hunt for your next team member or simply curious about this new approach, be sure to check out one of these events. You might just walk away with new perspectives—and maybe even your next great hire.
This monthly column, authored by Jon Smith, Executive Director of YCDA, published in the Yakima Herald-Republic. You can read it online here.