Job board Indeed has pledged to support over 15,000 refugees over the next three years to find work. Research confirms that career fairs can bypass the structural barriers that refugee candidates face when looking to enter the job market. Indeed came up with “Project Sunflower”, a series of innovative job fairs across five European cities.

The events went beyond traditional job fairs by offering personalised and comprehensive support. Candidates received face-to-face interviews, with many securing job offers or follow-up interviews on the spot. Wraparound services included childcare, translators, emotional well-being support, and career counseling, ensuring no participant was left without guidance.

Communications were translated into multiple relevant languages, including Ukrainian, Arabic, and Farsi, and sign language interpreters were available. The company ensured venues were fully accessible and provided spaces like prayer rooms and quiet zones. Volunteers speaking diverse languages offered continuous support, making candidates feel valued from arrival to departure.

Indeed also built partnerships with local governments, NGOs and social media channels to reach out to the refugee community. Employers were pre-briefed on engaging with candidates with empathy and respect. Overall, Project Sunflower demonstrated Indeed’s commitment to creating an impactful and supportive hiring experience, helping over 4,500 refugees move closer to employment. Candidate feedback generated an overwhelmingly positive response.