While it’s true that job seekers have to impress employers during job interviews, at career fairs, the roles are reversed.
This is where businesses need to stand out from the competition to attract top talents and leave a lasting impression on them.
And one of the best ways to do that is by displaying unique giveaways that will grab the attention of job fair attendees.
Once you pique their interest and get them to your booth, you can spark up a conversation and work your magic to convince them your company should be their top choice.
But since you already know how to sell your brand, I’ll show you how to attract event attendees with free swag.
Don’t worry; my colleagues and I did a little bit of digging and asked our clients about it, so we can offer you some of the best ideas for job fair giveaways.
Let’s see what they are!
Table of Contents
20 Best Career Fair Giveaway Ideas
Why are Job Fair Giveaways Important?
How to Pick the Best Career Fair Giveaways
20 Best Career Fair Giveaway Ideas
Before we begin, you should know that all the promotional products that we list here are high-quality, yet budget-friendly.
However, if your budget allows it, you can always combine multiple promo items to create career fair swag bags that will definitely wow participants.
1. Mix pocket bound journalbook
This set includes a 3.5″ x 5.5″ pocket notebook with elastic closure, ribbon page marker, elastic pen loop and back document pocket, and a bamboo gel ballpoint.
Our clients love this notebook’s unique, natural-looking, and customizable cover and the fact that it’s eco-friendly because it features FSC-certified paper.
Why we recommend this: Due to its small size, recipients can easily carry around this branded notebook and take notes or create to-do lists using the branded pen wherever they are.
2. Sun Ray rPP sunglasses
These sunglasses feature a recycled polypropylene (rPP) frame, recycled polycarbonate (rPC) lenses, and UV 400 sunlight protection.
What’s more, they have a classic unisex design, are lightweight, and come in four different colors.
Why we recommend this: Sunglasses make great summer promotional items because they show recipients you care about their well-being.
3. Unisex Endure knit toque
This double-layer unisex knit toque can be turned up to show embroidery or worn as a slouch to fit any style.
Our clients say it’s very soft and comfy and they like that it comes in five fun colors.
Why we recommend this: This toque will keep recipients warm during cold months, which makes it a thoughtful event swag item that will leave a lasting impression.
4. Easton 3-piece desktop organizer set
This desktop organizer set includes a document tray, a customizable pencil cup, and an accessory tray.
What we like most about this set is that it’s made out of imitation leather, which gives it a touch of sophistication.
Why we recommend this: Cool office supplies like this are great corporate gifts because they help recipients stay organized and productive.
That’s why including this set in your new-hire welcome kits, besides giving it away at your next career fair, is a great idea.
5. Mobile office commuter sleeve
This commuter sleeve is a multi-function organizer with various storage pockets ideal for storing everything from stylus pens, highlighters, notepads, and sticky notes, to USB flash drives, chargers, and your laptop.
Our clients often choose this giveaway item due to its practicality and its matte businesslike design.
Why we recommend this: This promo item is very useful for people who work remotely or need to attend lots of business meetings around town.
Our clients say this makes it an effective trade show giveaway.
6. Route Light Up logo 3-in-1 cable
Forget about traditional keychains that you put in the first drawer you can find and ignore until your next spring clear-out.
This one isn’t your regular keychain––it comes with three very practical charging cables.
This promotional product includes a USB-A tip, a USB-C tip, and a 2-in-1 dual-compatible tip for both Apple iOS and Android devices.
Why we recommend this: People rarely forget their home keys, but often forget their chargers: with this keychain, your recipients will never run out of battery.
7. Hydration sling
This sling has a front pocket specially designed for easy access to your water bottle and a zippered main compartment for your small essentials.
We also like its sporty design and adjustable shoulder strap that makes it easy to carry.
Why we recommend this: It can be paired with a reusable water bottle, encouraging the recipients to stay hydrated throughout the day.
8. Ash recycled drawstring bag
This drawstring bag is a fantastic eco-friendly promotional product as it’s made from recycled water bottles.
What’s more, 1% of its sales go to environmental nonprofits, so you’ll be making a real contribution to protecting the planet.
Our clients also like the fact that this drawstring bag is durable, foldable, and customizable.
Why we recommend this: You can turn this into a conference swag bag and add promo items, event lanyards and wristbands, your business card, and informative materials inside.
Then, after the recipient empties its contents, they can use it to carry their essentials to work every day or simply fold it, put it in their backpack, and use it whenever they need an extra bag.
9. Recycled folding auto-open umbrella
This umbrella made with metal and fiberglass for durability, has a FSC wood handle and a matching recycled PET sleeve, which make it eco-friendly.
On top of that, it’s customizable and very easy to carry around in your bag or backpack as it folds to 12″ in length.
Why we recommend this: Recipients will appreciate this thoughtful gift during rainy autumn and spring months and will use it frequently.
10. Jolt power bank
This power bank features 2,200 mAh and charges at the same rate as most wall chargers.
But besides its usefulness, our clients also like that it’s small and comes in three eye-catching colors.
Why we recommend this: Your recipients will be very grateful for having this power bank on hand when they’re running out of battery while rushing between meetings.
11. Smart cookie gift bag
This gift bag includes three individually wrapped soft-baked cookies that are absolutely delicious.
What’s more, the cookies come in a cute, small pouch that you can personalize with your company slogan or a fun message.
Why we recommend this: Job fair attendees usually spend a few hours at these events, so they’ll be glad to receive some promotional candy or snacks.
12. Organic Lip Balm
This lip balm is made out of 95% organic ingredients including beeswax and sunflower oil.
Many US-based companies invest in this product because it’s made in the USA and it’s of high quality.
In fact, according to ASI, 53% of consumers have a better opinion of an advertiser if its promo items are made in the USA instead of another country.
Why we recommend this: Even though this is a small and affordable item, it makes a great healthcare promotional item because it will do your recipients good all year round.
13. Football Stress Reliever
This stress ball is made out of polyurethane and squeezable foam and is perfect for relieving stress.
Of course, all our clients, particularly sports fans, love that it comes in the form of a football that adds a bit of fun to any office decor.
Why we recommend this: Stress relievers are very meaningful corporate gifts because they encourage recipients to take a break every once in a while.
14. Valhalla copper vacuum-insulated tumbler
This tumbler has a durable, double-wall stainless steel vacuum structure with copper insulation that keeps beverages cold for 24 hours and hot for at least 8 hours.
But what makes this drinkware unique is its sleek design combined with a skid-proof cork bottom.
Why we recommend this: Custom tumblers allow recipients to enjoy their favorite beverage on their way to work or to the gym.
15. Bamboo fiber lunch box with cutting board lid
This is no ordinary lunch box as it features a bamboo lid that doubles as a cutting board.
We also like that the lid has a silicone lining and silicone band that keeps your food safe in the container.
Why we recommend this: This reusable lunch box shows that your company supports a sustainable and healthy lifestyle, which many job seekers will appreciate.
16. Aluminum bottle opener
This aluminum bottle opener makes for a one-of-a-kind and practical keychain.
Many of our clients opt for it because it’s very small, so you can take it everywhere, and it comes in three fun colors.
Why we recommend this: This promo item can show job fair attendees that your company is a fun place to work.
17. BODIE short sleeve tee
Branded t-shirts are everywhere around us so if you want to stand out from the crowd, always go for high-quality products, like this BODIE short sleeve tee.
This t-shirt is extremely soft and comfy and is available in 12 trendy colors, as well as a more low-cut design for women.
Why we recommend this: At SwagDrop we believe t-shirts are a type of branded apparel that’ll never go out of style and will continue to be effective at boosting brand awareness.
18. Clip-N-Go hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer has a 62% alcohol content and is FDA-approved.
But what we and our clients like most about it is that it comes in a small, 1.8-ounce bottle that features a metal mini-carabiner, so you simply attach it to your bag.
Why we recommend this: Your recipients will probably use the hand sanitizer every day and when they empty the bottle, they can simply refill it.
Plus, due to its compact size, this is also a great travel promotional item.
19. Color pop earbuds
These earbuds are compatible with any standard audio device and come in a customizable plastic case with cable storage.
The best part is that this set includes three interchangeable soft rubber earbud covers for comfortable all-day wear.
Why we recommend this: These earbuds allow your recipients to listen to their favorite tunes everywhere they go.
20. Estand bamboo phone and tablet stand
This phone stand features two slots: the one in the front is compatible with all major tablet brands, while the other is compatible with all major phone brands.
What’s more, this phone stand is also eco-friendly since it’s made from FSC-certified bamboo.
Why we recommend this: This phone stand will free up your recipients’ hands so they can watch a movie on their tablet or phone while traveling, or stay on top of phone notifications while at the office.
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You have plenty of giveaway ideas now, but you’re probably still wondering if they are worth the investment.
Keep reading and find out.
Why are Job Fair Giveaways Important?
Even small, budget-friendly job fair giveaways can have a big impact.
Here are some of the benefits:
- Enhanced brand visibility. Unique promotional products will help you stand out from the sea of competitors participating in the job fair.
Likewise, if you hand out practical swag, job fair attendees will use or wear it long after the event, thus increasing brand awareness and recognition.
According to an ASI study, 57% of American consumers have kept a swag item for more than five years.
- Attract top talent. The more eye-catching your giveaways, the more job seekers they will attract to your booth.
After all, people are curious by nature.
Then, once you get them to your booth, you can begin to wow them with all the job perks your company can offer.
- Increase engagement and interaction. One-of-a-kind promo items usually make attendees want to touch and interact with them.
The moment they do that, you can step in and spark up a very natural and friendly conversation to draw them in.
- Offer a memorable experience. According to the same ASI study, 85% of people who receive a promotional item remember the brand that gave it to them.
Thus, you can use our promotional gift ideas to make job seekers remember your company long after they leave the job fair.
- Brand association. The type of free swag you offer at career fairs can tell a lot about your company.
For instance, cool, high-quality tech swag can tell job seekers that your company values innovation and that it wants the best for its employees.
With so many amazing advantages, I’m sure you don’t need any more convincing.
However, before you start ordering promo items, check out some useful tips that will help you pick the right ones.
How to Pick the Best Career Fair Giveaways
Simply picking random swag for job fairs is not efficient.
Instead, follow these best practices:
- Align the giveaways with the company branding. The promo items you choose should reflect your brand’s values and work culture.
As such, job seekers will know what to expect if they come to work for you.
- Focus on the attendees’ preferences. Think about your ideal job candidates and what kind of office atmosphere you want to create.
Then, look for job fair giveaways that would resonate with your target job seekers.
For instance, if you want to create a young and innovative team, cool tech swag and fun office supplies can help you attract the right candidates.
- Keep the merch practical. Career fair attendees should be able to use your promo items regularly to be reminded of your company, while also advertising it for free.
For example, instead of offering them stickers that they can easily forget about, you can give them a cute box of mints that they can carry around in their bag every day.
- Invest in quality. Offering high-quality giveaways shows job seekers you want the best for them and helps you make a good first impression.
- Customize and personalize. You should customize all your promotional products with your company name or logo.
This way, you can be sure that job fair attendees will remember your brand and not mistake one of your giveaways for that of a competitor.
We’ve shared our insights, now it’s your turn to put in the work.
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The Bottom Line
Clearly, investing in career fair giveaways is a good idea, given all their amazing benefits.
Just make sure you pick items that truly represent your brand so you can attract the right talent.
Once you’ve made your pick, we can customize your swag and ship it to you.
And if you need more giveaway ideas, just check out our SwagDrop shop.
