Job fair set for Tuesday
The relationship between employers and hopeful employees is being fostered by the Washington County Economic Alliance through an annual job fair, which will will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 21, at the Washington County Convention Center.
The employment event is part of the Governor’s Job Fair Network of Mississippi.
“The Governor’s Job Fair Network is a unique, proactive, employment assistance resource for the unemployed, employers and communities of Mississippi,” said Angelica Richards, Americorps Workforce Training Coordinator for the Washington County Economic Alliance. “The job fair creates an environment that facilitates the hiring process with an ultimate objective being job placement.
“Our goals are accomplished through community-based job fairs offered throughout the state,” she continued. “ The job fair is presented in conjunction with community efforts to provide people looking for jobs the opportunity to apply with a number of different employers in a centralized, user-friendly setting.”
For business and industry, job fairs provide their human resource representatives the opportunity to interview a variety of potential employees.
Many job seekers receive job offers on the day of the job fair, while others are required to complete additional screening for current and future position vacancies.
Job seekers are asked to wear professional attire during the fair, where 35 employers will be participating.
Will Coppage, deputy director for Washington County Economic Alliance, said he looks forward to an amazing turnout.
“Over the last few years, we have seen an excellent turnout for the job fair,” Coppage said. “Residents come dressed well with resumes prepared. The employers have spoken highly of the quality of the turnout from previous years, and I believe this year will be no exception."
Richards leaves the job seekers with advice about how to tackle the job fair.
“Talk to all the companies exhibiting,” Richards said. “The job you are looking for may not be listed, but may be available.”
Richards also suggested networking with recruiters, who may pass resumes to other recruiters if they know a position may be a good fit.
She also noted having a positive attitude is important.
“You only have one chance to make a good first impression,” Richards said.
Remember to bring copies of proofread resumes.
For more information, contact Angelica Richards at 662-378-3141.
