The overwhelming success of the WMJobs Fair: Why Public Sector recruitment needs more face-to-face engagement 

By Chloe Hermann – Principal Consultant West Midlands Employers 

We knew there was demand. But what we didn’t expect was just how much. The first-ever WMJobs Regional Public Sector Job Fair at the Library of Birmingham was an overwhelming success. With an estimated 2,000+ visitors and a room buzzing with energy, it became clear that people don’t just want to apply for jobs—they want to talk to the people behind them. 

The power of in-person connections 

The event brought together 14 public sector organisations, all eager to showcase their career opportunities. And while the vacancies themselves were compelling (there are currently over 1,000 jobs listed on WMJobs.co.uk), what really struck a chord was the human element. 

One jobseeker, Hassan, summed it up perfectly: “I was very happy and very glad to find somewhere I can talk with people, ask questions and find some solutions.” That’s exactly what this event was about breaking down barriers, making local government careers feel more tangible, and giving people real insight into the work they could be doing. 

A recruitment wake-up call for councils 

For councils and public sector organisations struggling to fill roles, this event proved that direct engagement is a game-changer. It’s easy to assume that posting vacancies online is enough. But this fair showed that some candidates want, and perhaps need, more—they want conversations, reassurance, and a sense of connection with potential employers. 

Employers at the event saw first-hand how jobseekers are actively looking for opportunities to contribute to their communities. Many attendees expressed a keen interest in understanding the full scope of roles available, as well as the career progression and benefits that come with public sector employment. 

With local government facing skills shortages across multiple specialisms, it’s essential to embrace new recruitment strategies. Traditional methods of hiring sometimes fail to capture the attention of talented individuals who might not have considered public sector careers before. Events like this offer a direct and highly effective way to engage, inspire, and recruit from a broad talent pool. 

Bolstering the job boards: Filling the gaps in Public Sector recruitment 

The reality is, councils need to think differently about recruitment. The skills shortages are real, and competition for talent is fierce. But events like this prove there’s a huge audience out there—people who are interested in public sector roles but need that extra touchpoint to take the next step. More traditional methods such as job boards absolutely have their place in recruitment and can provide a great ROI, but we need to make sure that we reach job seekers in a variety of ways.   

Job boards are a vital part of the recruitment mix, offering strong ROI and efficiently connecting employers with the right talent. Meanwhile, job fairs—especially those highlighting the value of public sector roles—provide a unique opportunity for direct engagement. They allow organisations to showcase their values, highlight the diversity of roles available, promote the benefits of working in the public sector, build connections, and attract the right candidates. Together, these approaches help public sector employers maximise their reach and recruitment success. 

The WMJobs Fair exemplified this by bringing together a diverse range of councils and public sector employers, giving jobseekers the chance to explore multiple career paths in one place. From frontline services to specialist roles in digital transformation and sustainability, the public sector offers a wealth of opportunities—but these must be actively promoted through meaningful engagement. 

By bringing together a diverse range of councils and public sector employers, the WMJobs Fair provided jobseekers with a unique opportunity to explore multiple career paths in one place. From frontline services to specialist roles in digital transformation and sustainability, the public sector has much to offer, but these opportunities must be actively promoted through meaningful engagement. 

What’s Next? Join the Waiting List 

Given the demand, we’re already planning future events. And if you’re a public sector employer looking to fill vacancies, this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss. We’re building a waiting list for exhibitors—so if you want to be part of the next WMJobs fair, get in touch to find out more about advertising on the platform and the benefits this brings. 

This is a moment of change for public sector recruitment. The enthusiasm we saw at the fair underscores the fact that people want careers with purpose, stability, and impact. It’s now up to councils and organisations to harness this momentum and ensure they’re visible, accessible, and ready to engage with the next generation of public sector professionals.