Second Life is to host the UK's first virtual world career fair, run by recruitment and communications firm TMP Worldwide.

The three-day I-Jobs For Real fair will take place on TMP's 'island' in Second Life from 16:00 to 20:00 BST between 16 and 18 October.

Candidates entering the 3D online virtual world will be greeted by virtual concierges and escorted to TMP's virtual office where they can be given basic training on how to interact inside Second Life.

They will then be teleported to the employer's offices on the island where avatar recruiters will greet them and discussions can begin via live chat and instant messaging.

"We constantly strive to find new ways to reach talent for our customers," said Phil Owers, deputy managing director at TMP Worldwide.

"By hosting the job fair on Second Life we dissolve all geographical boundaries and allow job seekers from around the UK and the world to connect easily and cost-effectively in a friendly and impartial environment.

"The targeted marketing approach is consistent with more traditional routes, but the experience for the candidate and customer is enhanced."

Companies including KPMG, Royal Bank of Scotland and Yell have signed up to take part in the fair in an effort to connect with job seekers in a " relaxed and neutral environment".

Isabelle Hung, head of national resourcing at Yell UK, said: "The kind of people on Second Life may have just the right blend of determination and customer focus that we're looking for."

Each company will carry out initial screening of candidates and then invite them to an interview in Second Life.