On November 14, 25 motivated job seekers from across Metro Vancouver gathered at MOSAIC’s headquarters for a first-of-its-kind hiring event: the Talent Match Fair. This reverse job fair, a pilot initiative led by MOSAIC, redefines traditional recruitment by placing job seekers in the spotlight, giving them a dynamic platform to showcase their skills directly to employers.
Flipping the script
Unlike conventional job fairs where candidates line up to meet employers, the Talent Match Fair flips the process. Each participant, supported by MOSAIC’s experienced employment advisors, hosted their own booth to highlight their professional skills, experiences, and achievements. Employers toured these booths, conducting interviews and engaging in meaningful conversations. This dynamic format fostered deeper connections, allowing job seekers to stand out in a competitive market.
Grace Valentin-Douglas, an Employment Services Advisor at MOSAIC, developed the idea after hearing from clients about the challenges they faced with traditional hiring events. “I just thought, well, let’s flip it. Let’s give our clients the booths instead, and let the employers come to them,” she explained. “We are taking job fairs to the next level.”
Helping job seekers shine
Participants in the Talent Match Fair came from various MOSAIC employment programs, including the Fast Track to Manufacturing Plus (F2M Plus) program, the Workplace Connections Mentoring Program, the Next Steps Program, and the Refugee Employment Support Services Program.
Kate Liu, Manager of Employment Programs at MOSAIC, explained that the event was months in the making. Over six weeks, participants attended group workshops and one-on-one coaching sessions to polish their resumes, practice elevator pitches, and build confidence for real-world interviews. MOSAIC’s employment advisors played a vital role in helping candidates develop strong personal brands and professional presentations.
For example, one participant aiming for a caregiver role transformed her booth into a showcase of her expertise. She displayed photos of her work, professional tools, and a detailed profile page. Her thoughtful presentation sparked engaging discussions with employers and left a lasting impression.
Positive feedback from both sides
Jean, a newcomer to Canada seeking an administrative assistant role, shared his excitement: “I was expecting the same thing I’m seeing now—meeting with employers, marketing myself, and networking for future opportunities. I’ve been scheduled for an interview right away; it’s beyond my expectations.” Having arrived in Canada just three months ago, Jean described the fair as a transformative experience.
Employers were equally enthusiastic. Representatives from BC Public Service, E.B. Horsman & Son, and The Growth Spark praised the Talent Match Fair for its innovative format.
Manpreet, Recruitment Marketing Strategist with BC Public Service, commented, “This reverse job fair is an innovative tool that MOSAIC came up with. I’m very excited about being a part of it. Every candidate we spoke to today has skills that are transferable. It was amazing to see everyone’s pitch.”
A new approach to building careers
The Talent Match Fair is more than just an event; it represents a reimagined way of connecting job seekers with opportunities. By focusing on the candidates, MOSAIC has created an environment where participants can confidently present their talents, while employers discover skilled professionals in a dynamic, personalized setting.
Stay tuned for future updates and success stories as MOSAIC continues to develop initiatives that connect job seekers with meaningful employment opportunities. If you’re looking for career support, explore our wide range of employment programs designed to help you achieve your goals.
