A SURGE of online visitors greeted the launch of the Virtual Jobs Fair being run by the Thurrock Gazette’s sister paper, the Echo.

More than 400 potential jobseekers checked out www.thurrockgazette.co.uk/vjf on its first day alone when it went live last week.

Sarah Sanderson, digital commercial manager, Newsquest Essex, said: “Visitors were clicking on the site within a few moments of its activation on Monday. “The pace hasn’t let up since. There has been huge interest.”

The unique virtual facility replicates familiar real-world jobs fairs. Visitors to the site can move from stand to stand on their pad, laptop or mobile screen.

Sarah said: “Anyone checking out the job market can take a look at a potential employer’s organisation’s profile, and check out the current vacancies. They can do it at any time, any place, 24/7.”

While jobseekers search out vacancies, those with jobs to offer have the opportunity to book a virtual stand.

And instead of a display running for just one or two days, as it would at a bricks and mortar jobs fair, the stand and its wares remain on show for a three month period.

Sarah said: “In the Virtual Jobs Fair, we have what we believe is the most technically advanced and wide ranging site of its type in the south-east.”

Check out the new site at www.thurrockgazette.co.uk/vjf VJF STALLHOLDERS: Newsquest Freshfields HiltonCare SBS Cleaning Support Service Essex Police Essex Fire and Rescue Plantexpand Ltd Industrial Chemicals Ltd Anglia Case Management