Alma Career Virtual Job Fair in the Adriatic region

As the hot summer days fade, the job market is gearing up for the upcoming Regional Job Fair, one of the most anticipated events of the year in Alma Career region South. This virtual fair, which has consistently attracted a growing number of employers and job seekers from across the region, is preparing for its 15th edition, taking place from October 15th to 22nd in Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Slovenia and Serbia.  We spoke with Ivana Markulj, Project Manager at Alma Career Croatia, to learn more about what makes this event one of the most popular in its sector and what we can expect from this year's gathering.

1. Can you recall the first online fair? What was it like back then, and did clients immediately recognize the value of 'virtual booths' and online interactions with candidates?

To be honest, I don’t have a clear memory of that first virtual fair, mostly because I wasn’t part of the team back in 2009. At that time, I was in my early twenties, focused on other pursuits. However, since joining the Alma Career Croatia team, I’ve had the chance to look into how our virtual journey began.

Given that we already had substantial experience with the internet and online advertising at that point, we felt confident that virtual events could be successful. Together with forward-thinking companies that recognized the potential of this innovative idea, we embarked on an adventure that continues to this day. Like any new endeavor, it came with challenges—we didn’t know what to expect, what the outcomes would be, or how satisfied our exhibitors would be. But the results spoke for themselves: we recorded over 31,000 visits and received more than 5,000 resumes. Since then, the fair has grown year after year, becoming increasingly successful and attracting more exhibitors who appreciate the unique benefits it offers.

2. What motivated you to opt for this type of fair, and what advantages does a virtual job fair offer to both employers and job seekers?

We wanted to be trailblazers and try something different, recognizing an opportunity to make life easier for everyone involved. Instead of spending an entire day on their feet and dealing with the usual hassle, participants could now explore opportunities from the comfort of their own homes—perhaps even in pajamas, with a cup of coffee in hand.

For employers, this means access to a much broader pool of candidates, regardless of geographical location. It’s no longer about finding local talent; this opens up a world of possibilities across the entire region. As for job seekers, the advantages are clear—they can explore numerous employers and job openings without ever leaving their couch, avoiding crowds and the stress of finding parking.

3. Last year alone, the fair attracted over 150 exhibitors and more than 690,900 job seekers. What kind of feedback do you receive from participants, and what keeps them coming back year after year?

The feedback from both employers and job seekers has been incredibly positive! Employers are thrilled with the ability to reach a diverse and extensive pool of candidates, while job seekers appreciate the chance to connect with many employers and explore various career paths, all from the comfort of their homes.

What keeps them coming back each year? Aside from the obvious convenience and efficiency, they enjoy the dynamic environment and wide range of opportunities the fair offers. Employers see it as a valuable chance to build their brand and attract top talent, while job seekers appreciate the ongoing opportunity to discover new career paths.

4. The Regional Job Fair brings together participants from across the entire region (Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Slovenia, and Macedonia). What makes it stand out compared to similar fairs? What does it offer participants, and what new features can we expect this year?

Our job fair is unique in that it brings together employers and job seekers from the entire region, allowing companies to tap into a fantastic talent pool from different countries while enabling job seekers to explore career opportunities beyond their national borders.

What truly sets us apart is our ability to facilitate a genuine exchange of talent and opportunities on a regional level. We connect different job markets and create a space where new possibilities emerge for everyone involved.

This year, we’re excited to welcome new exhibitors who will bring fresh perspectives and a wider array of career opportunities. Additionally, we’re in the process of launching a brand-new sales site, but we'll share more details about that soon.