Help for Job Seekers: 12th Annual Iron Range Job Fair

The 12th Annual Iron Range Job Fair will be held at the Thunderbird Mall on Tuesday, March 23, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Job Fair is an excellent opportunity for both job seekers and employers. Employers showcase their business while meeting prospective new employees. The job market is very competitive and the good old days are gone where you could walk in, fill out an application and expect a call for a high paying job. Eight out of 10 people hired still find their job as a result of a direct contact with an employer.

Many employers have high security and locked doors to keep job seekers at a distance. The Job Fair allows employers to make direct contact with prospective employees. Studies prove that over 80% of the people hired for new jobs are done so through direct employer contact.

Over 50 companies will be set up in the concourse of the mall to meet with job seekers, collect resumes and get on-thespot applications for current and future job openings.

“Packaging” is important on the day of the Job Fair. For job seekers, the way you present yourself at the Job Fair is important. Think of it like buying a car. You’d want to kick the tires, hear the engine, look at the paint job, and maybe even take it for a test drive. When you are “selling” yourself to an employer your package had better look good. Everything about the way you look and present yourself to an employer should say…HIRE ME! Take the time to get dressed up and look good. You may have opportunities for on-the-spot interviews.

Being prepared also means being organized. Bring multiple copies of your resume, letters of recommendation, extra pens, paper, and all of the details of your past employment. You will need these items to complete applications. You should also bring copies of certificates, grade transcripts, licenses and other important documents. A list of references including name, address, phone numbers and job titles will be needed.

The Workforce Center in Virginia, located at 820 North 9th Street, can help prepare you for the Iron Range Job Fair. Employment and career counselors who specialize in all aspects of helping people find work are available.

The Job Fair is the result of many hours of work done by Workforce Center staff, business leaders, advertisers and other professionals who work behind the scenes to help you. For more information, please call the Virginia Workforce Center at (218) 748-2200 and ask for Scott Thompson, Connie Sabetti or John Haugen. Please take advantage of this opportunity to improve your future.

Submitted by John A. Haugen, Career Counselor, Northeast MN Office of Job Training, Workforce Center, Virginia, MN.