It was interesting to note that a programmatic job search engine connecting employers with students through career events, has reported a 40 per cent increase in attendance across its events over the past 12 months.
Organisers say this highlights a growing shift in how graduates approach the job search process and that the rise in participation reflects a broader trend among Gen Z candidates who are increasingly favouring interactive, real-time engagement with employers over traditional online job applications.
“Candidates today want more than just submitting applications—they want direct access to employers and meaningful conversations,” said Adam K, Head of Partnerships at Sourcing Square. The company behind the platform.
“We’re seeing a clear shift toward experience-driven hiring, where both employers and job seekers benefit from face-to-face or live interactions.”
Recent data collected from events run by the CareerDays.io platform goes on to reveal two times higher engagement rates reported by employers compared to traditional job boards and increased participation from employers seeking faster and more effective recruitment methods.
‘As the workforce continues to evolve, so too must the way we connect talent with opportunities’
While job boards continue to play a role in recruitment, many employers are experiencing challenges with high application volumes and low candidate engagement. Career events, they say, offer a more efficient alternative by letting recruiters connect directly with pre-qualified candidates, assess soft skills in real time, and accelerate the hiring process.
This approach is particularly appealing to Gen Z job seekers, who value transparency, immediacy, and authentic interactions during their job search journey.
The data points to a broader transformation in hiring practices, with employers increasingly adopting what can be described as experience-based recruitment strategies. Career events provide a dynamic environment where candidates can showcase their communication skills, personality, and enthusiasm—factors that are often difficult to evaluate through online applications alone.
Employers are also leveraging these events to strengthen their employer brand and build long-term talent pipelines, rather than focusing solely on immediate hiring needs.
CareerDays.io co-founder Mario D’Auria said: “As the workforce continues to evolve, so too must the way we connect talent with opportunities. Career events are becoming a central part of that evolution.”
