Job hunters will get an opportunity to meet more than 50 local employers during the 2017 Redwood Coast Career Fair, Tuesday, May 2, from noon to 2 p.m. The Job Market partners and the North Coast Employer Advisory Council needed more space this year and have moved the annual job fair to the Arcata Community Center.
Humboldt County’s unemployment rate is at an eight-year low of 4.9 percent, creating a favorable hiring environment. According to Connie Lorenzo, Humboldt County Department of Health & Human Services Employment Training Division manager, it’s a job seeker’s market. “Local businesses need people,” she said. “They’re enthused about meeting prospective employees during the career fair.”
Attendees will have the opportunity to talk to vocational counselors, receive resume critiques, chat with local employers, and apply for current job openings.
There’s a way for attendees to beat the crowds and meet with prospective employers before doors open to the general public. The Job Market is hosting Job Fair Prep Academy sessions at its 409 K St., Eureka facility. Attendees will get advice on topics such as what employers are looking for, how to stand out, resume tips and how to prepare a 90-second elevator pitch. Completing the academy allows participants to get into the career fair an hour before doors are opened to the public.
In addition to moving the fair to Arcata, The Job Market is teaming up with the Northern Humboldt Union High School District (NHUHSD) for the first time to give students access to career ideas and local job prospects as well as information about college admissions and financial aid. “We're excited about the May 2 fair and appreciate this chance to connect our students to the world of work," said Jim Ritter, NHUHSD’s Career Exploration & Community Outreach specialist. “It is really helpful for high school students to connect with different businesses and organizations as they start to plan for their future careers.” NHUHSD teaches more than 1,600 students at five schools: Arcata, McKinleyville, Six Rivers Charter, Tsurai and Pacific Coast high schools.
The Arcata Community Center is located at 321 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway, Arcata, across from HealthSPORT. For more information about the Redwood Coast Career Fair and Career Fair Prep Academy dates and times, call The Job Market at 707-441-5627 or visit thejobmarket.org.
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