Visitors to the annual Jefferson County Job Fair could leave with a refreshed resume, an updated LinkedIn profile and even a job offer.
It’s free for job seekers to attend the fair, which is set for 2:30-5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8, at the Fox C-6 Service Center, 849 Jeffco Blvd., in Arnold.
“It’s a terrific opportunity to find many employers who are ready to interview, all in one place,” Leader Publisher Peggy Scott said.
Job seekers can expect to meet representatives from a variety of companies actively hiring and seeking candidates, Scott said.
“Employers are eager to talk to you and definitely have jobs they are hiring for,” she said. “You can be sure you won’t be sitting around, waiting for a response.”
Express Employment Professionals is the presenting sponsor of the Job Fair. Other sponsors include Leader Publications, the Fox C-6 School District, Jefferson College, the city of Arnold, the Arnold Chamber of Commerce and the Jefferson County Library.
For those with little job fair experience, chamber members will be on hand acting as ambassadors to help visitors navigate the event, Scott said.
“We know job fairs can be kind of intimidating, so we thought, ‘How can we make this less stressful?’”
Scott said job seekers should dress professionally and come prepared with copies of their resume, especially since some employers conduct interviews and hire on-site.
In addition to connecting with companies that are hiring, attendees may learn about local resources and refresh their professional materials.
The Jefferson County Library will share information about educational and professional tools it offers, particularly how to use current job-seeking technology.
Filling out online job applications can be difficult on a smartphone, so the library offers computers, internet and extra help to those who need it, Scott said.
She recommends that job seekers bring copies of their resumes to the fair so representatives from Jefferson College’s Workforce and Employment Services can take a look at them and offer feedback about how to improve the resumes.
The college representatives also can look at attendees’ LinkedIn profiles and give expert advice on how to update those to better appeal to employers.
A high-quality professional headshot can complement any LinkedIn account or other social media page, so a photographer will be on hand to at the Job Fair to take those photos, free of charge.
Scott encourages job seekers of all ages attend, noting that it’s becoming more common to see experienced workers looking for new opportunities.
“There is a growing number of older job seekers who have been affected by downsizing or are tired of a long commute and want something closer to home,” Scott said.
Job Fair attendees also will have the chance to win door prizes, like gift cards for local businesses.
The Job Fair is also a fundraiser for the Arnold Chamber of Commerce.
“Since the Job Fair started in 2019, it has raised $21,500 for the chamber,” Scott said.
While admission to the fair is free, funds are raised through vendor fees and fair sponsorships.
For more information call Leader Publications at 636-931-7560 or email news@myleaderpaper.com. For a list of employers that will be at the event, visit myleaderpaper.com/jobs.