Berlin LGBT Job Fair Sticks & Stones

Can you tell us a bit about the history of Sticks & Stones?

2010 we started out with, what back then, was called the MILK fair. We had five exhibitors and I think there were only around 400 people there. Three years later we are expecting around 3000 visitors and our exhibitions slots are fully booked. We are becoming bigger and bigger each year and are excited to see the increasing attention we are receiving from the media, the companies and the visitors.

What makes Sticks & Stones different from other job fairs?

Our main focus is to address members of the LGBT community, who are tired of being disadvantaged in their job or job search, because of their sexuality. But we also appeal to employees in general, who don’t feel appreciated enough by their current employer.

In addition the fair itself has a special kind of character distinguishing it from ordinary job fairs. We dislike the unexciting environments those fairs usually take place at. Therefore we offer our visitors an inspiring program, filled with exciting speakers and interesting events, showing them all the amazing facets that our lives are made of.

Why is Diversity Hiring important to companies?

Since they are afraid of the disadvantages they might face, over 50 percent of LGBT employees are not out in their job. A company which not only tolerates but appreciates out employees, thus appeals to a wide range of professionals looking for a proud employer.

What Employers are participating?

All our exhibiting companies must prove that their company is LGBT friendly. For example by signing the diversity charta or making a clear statement on their website. Exhibitors this year are:

AbbVie, Allianz, Accenture, Adidas, A.T. Kearney, Axel Springer, BITKOM, Boston Consulting Group, Bruno Gmünder Verlag, Baker & McKenzie, Booking.com, Coca-Cola Erfrischungsgetränke, CMS Hasche Sigle, Dataport, Dell, Dertour, ECE Projektmanagement, Enterprise Autovermietung, Flaconi, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP, GE Germany, GROUPON, GSK Stockmann & Kollegen, Hertie School of Governance, Hogan Lovells, Hugo Boss, IBM, IHK Berlin, Ikea, Ingenieure ohne Grenzen, IVU Traffic Technologies, McKinsey & Company, MANWIN, MLP Berlin, Nokia, Oliver Wyman, Osram, PANDA Women Career Contest, P3 Ingenieurgesellschaft, pme Familienservice, Novartis, Robinson Club, Roche, SAP, Scholz & Friends, Schütz Brandcom, Simmons & Simmons Rechtsanwälte, SoundCloud, Targobank, Telefonica, Uhlala, VIACOM International Media Networks, Volkswagen Financial Service, Völklinger Kreis, Wirtschaftsweiber, White & Case.

What is the best way to work a job fair?

Always inform yourself ahead. There is usually a lot going on at fairs and you don’t want to miss the perfect talk. Also check out where the companies are, that you want to check out . Maybe you can arrange an interview already beforehand and don’t have to wait at the fair. Also bringing friends, coffee and a little dose of your unique unicorn powers can’t hurt.

What are the skills and attributes recruiters value most in prospects?

I would say we have a lot of companies that are looking for a creative young crowd with original ideas and the energy to change the world.

What should I bring?

A lot of spare CVs, some good friends, an open mind and a lot of stamina. It’s going to be long and exciting day where nobody will want to leave early.

How should I follow up?

Follow our posts on Facebook, all the news get posted there first. https://www.facebook.com/sticks.and.stones.fair

Where can I learn more and sign up?

Check out our website www.the-rockstar.com. There we have all the information you need and you might even get one of the free tickets we are distributing.

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