The seventh job fair in recent years put on by city government and Carson City’s Chamber of Commerce will be different.
That is the assessment of Ronni Hannaman, chamber executive director, who views prospective employees as being in an altered employment environment and a solid position as long as they prepare properly for the Sept. 25 event in the gymnasium at the Community Center. The job fair is at 1:30 p.m. that fourth Friday this month with veterans allowed in first, and all job seekers entering at 2 p.m. The center is at 851 E. William St.
Hannaman’s assessment was to the point.
“Until now, it has been an employers’ market,” she said Monday. “As the unemployment numbers have reduced, the tables have turned and it could now be considered an employees’ market, although that doesn’t mean employers will hire just anyone.”
Organizers last week reported 45 prospective employers and 19 training resources or related commitments from participants planning to attend. Manufacturing, health care, gaming, hospitality, food and beverage service, staffing agencies, government agencies and various other businesses or groups will be on hand, as at past job fairs.
The city held three job fairs in 2013 at which, in the aggregate, 123 employers’ tables were set up, 1,746 prospective employees attended and at least 146 seeking positions eventually became employed. In 2014, there were two job fairs at which 90 employers were on hand, 916 job seekers showed and at least 96 ended up with jobs.
Last February, there were 51 employers at the latest job fair, as well as 16 training or advice resources on hand, when 537 prospective employees participated and at least 73 found employment, according to post-job fair assessments.
Hannaman said the key to such success on the part of those looking for work is getting help going in, providing pertinent and precise background material, being well groomed and demonstrating eagerness to make the right connection.
“It is always a good idea to offer a well-prepared resume and dress for success to be put at the top of the list,” said Hannaman. “If you want that better job — and better jobs will be offered — you will get the job if you’re prepared.”
One way to prepare is by taking classes offered every Wednesday afternoon at Health and Human Services, 900 E. Long St. Lynn Ellis, HHS workforce case manager, conducts the free Wednesday classes, from 2-4 p.m., to help train people attending about assembling background data and writing a resume, interviewing skills and other significant information to match the preparation about which Hannaman spoke.