Job Fair Delivers Outstanding Results Through Team Effort

The Arc Mercer’s first job fair of 2026 proved to be a major success, highlighting the power of teamwork, community connection, and employee engagement in strengthening the workforce.

The event drew 178 attendees, resulting in 45 positions filled and an additional 20 candidates identified for future hiring or training opportunities. Beyond immediate hiring outcomes, the job fair also generated strong momentum for future recruitment, with 105 attendees coming directly from referrals and 36 referral-to-hire leads created.

Staff Referrals Drive Attendance and Success

A standout factor in this event’s success was the significant role played by current staff members. Word-of-mouth referrals from employees, sharing opportunities with friends, family, and community members, were the primary driver of attendance.

The impact of this engagement was clear: a majority of job seekers arrived because someone within the agency took the time to recommend the Arc Mercer as a place to work. Staff participation in referral efforts not only filled the room but directly contributed to filling critical positions.

To recognize this contribution, referral bonuses were issued to staff who successfully brought candidates into the hiring pipeline. These efforts continue to demonstrate how internal advocacy plays a vital role in strengthening recruitment outcomes.

A Cross-Department Team Effort

While referrals brought candidates in, multiple departments ensured the event’s success from start to finish.

The HR and recruiting teams delivered an exceptionally organized and efficient process, guiding applicants through each stage of the event and ensuring smooth coordination throughout the day. Their preparation and execution helped create a positive experience for both candidates and hiring teams.

In addition, residential and day program managers played a key role by stepping in to conduct interviews on-site. Their involvement provided valuable perspective in identifying strong candidates and helped accelerate the hiring process in real time.

A Shared Success Worth Celebrating

This job fair demonstrated what can be achieved when every part of the organization contributes toward a shared goal. From staff referrals to HR coordination and managerial support during interviews, the results reflect a fully collaborative effort.

The strong turnout and successful hiring outcomes set a positive tone for recruitment efforts moving forward in 2026, and reinforce the impact that staff engagement continues to have on building a strong and dedicated workforce at the Arc Mercer.