That's a good question. If so, who is really benefiting from them? I recently went to one and I wasn't impressed. There were very few companies that were offering positions that needed people immediately, except for trucking companies. The others that offered employment were for commission-only salespeople. That won't cut it when you have bills to pay and food to put on the table, not to mention car payments and fuel for that car. Is it a way for companies to bring more attention to themselves by having these career fairs?
These career fairs attract hundreds if not thousands of people. Most people leave a little disappointed. If you have your company at one of these events, it makes them look good and it brings recognition to that particular company. It also gives them free advertising and notice to many people who may have never heard of the company. That may be good for them, but it doesn't help the person that really needs a job. Also if you are over 50, most of these companies are not looking for people your age. That's not fair but it is a reality. They are actually interested in younger, ambitious and confident younger people. Think about that the next time you go to a career fair.