If you are looking for a job or considering a new career, the Jefferson County Job Fair, set for Wednesday, May 31, is the place to be.
The fifth annual Jefferson County Job Fair will run from 3-6 p.m. at the Fox Service Center, 849 Jeffco Blvd., in Arnold and will provide job seekers a chance to connect with potential employers.
The presenting sponsor is Express Employment Professionals. Other sponsors include Leader Publications, the Arnold Chamber of Commerce, Jefferson College, the Fox C-6 School District, the city of Arnold and a new sponsor this year, the Jefferson County Library.
Last year the Job Fair was held in October but was moved to May this year to allow businesses to find summer employees, said Peggy Scott, publisher for Leader Publications.
A variety of businesses will staff booths with representatives who will talk with prospective employees, take resumes and answer questions. There will be some employer exhibits outside.
Scott said it’s an opportunity for job seekers to meet many employers in one day, and many of those employers will be making job offers that day.
She said those looking for jobs should bring their resumes and dress for a job interview.
Lora Warner, director of Workforce and Employment Services at Jefferson College, said staff will be on hand to help applicants update their resumes for free.
“In terms of being prepared, I would recommend having a resume (though we will be reviewing resumes that day as well); reviewing the employers that will attend and having a plan for who you want to visit; dress professionally; and practice a short ‘elevator pitch’ to introduce yourself to an employer,” Warner said. “For example, ‘Good afternoon. I am Lora Warner and I have experience in project management. I saw you were looking for some positions that match my skill set in leading teams, communication and product development. I would love to learn more about what you have to offer.’”
The college has a career closet and will have representatives at the event to help job seekers with any clothing needs.
“We plan to have a selection from the career closet,” Warner said. “The closet consists of gently used business attire that is donated from the community. We provide these items free of charge for those who need professional dress for an interview or work. The right outfit can give someone the confidence they need in an interview or starting a new job. We are happy to be able to provide this service to the Job Fair participants.”
Scott said a professional photographer will be at the event to take free head shots so applicants will have nice, up-to-date photos for social media, like LinkedIn.
She said most employers will look at applicants’ social media pages.
Jefferson County Library staff said they are excited to be a Job Fair sponsor this year.
“The library has been a part of promoting the Job Fair since its inception, and it just made sense to become a full-fledged partner in this great event for our community,” said Meredith McCarthy, the Arnold branch manager. “We will be at the event with take-home Job Fair packets filled with resources for job seekers. We’ll also share information on how to access library resources, and we’ll sign up eligible attendees for library cards on the spot.”
McCarthy said she’s seen how the Job Fair can help people get on the career path of their dreams, adding that the library places a high value on equipping people who are entering or re-entering the workforce or making a career change.
She said the library offers a wealth of resources for job seekers. Online databases include Resume and Cover Letter Builder from Learning Express; ONet, which facilitates career exploration; VetNow from BrainFuse, which supports veterans entering civilian careers; resources for digital and computer skills; and more. The library offers public access computers. Also people may check out a wifi hotspot to take home.
The library holds resume building classes as well. The Arnold branch will hold a resume and cover letter builder class May 17.
Employers who want to have a booth at the Job Fair must sign up by May 17.
Margie Sammons, an event organizer and Arnold Chamber of Commerce director, said a lot of employers are looking for employees to fill their staffing needs. She’s received a few inquiries already from vendors and residents about the upcoming Job Fair.
Employers who want to participate should contact their Leader newspaper sales representative or call the Leader office at 636-931-7560. Employers also may sign up online at jeffcojobfair.com. Click on the blue strip under the Job Fair flyer.
A portion of every vendor package sold benefits the Arnold Chamber of Commerce.
The first-ever Leader Job Fair in 2019 was a resounding success, drawing more than 500 job seekers. In 2020, the event was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic but returned in 2021 and 2022.
A special section will be published in the May 25 Leader with detailed information about Job Fair activities, schedules and businesses that will participate.