Recruiters ringed the Ormsby House ballroom Wednesday, sizing up applicants who picked up job applications and literature about the two dozen companies represented.
The fair was set up to benefit about 240 Ormsby house employees who will be laid off next month when the property shuts down for an eight-month remodeling project.
But the recruiters said they could come away winners, too, if they find new hires with the right experience or a willingness to train for a new job.
Jerry Hobel, president of Lead Edge Copier Service headquartered in Dayton, was looking for people with mechanical and technical aptitude to train to service Xerox copiers and printers.
"We may find that combination of skills and experience in a slot mechanic, for instance," Hobel said. The company will sift through Wednesday's applications and invite candidates to take a 150-minute aptitude test.
Mary Huetig, respite coordinator at Eagle Valley Children's Home, said the facility provides on-site training and pays for other courses for its employees. She said several employees, herself included, have used the entry level positions as a springboard to higher level care professions. Huetig said she is now a social worker.
Snap On Tools was recruiting distribution associates to work at its Fairview Drive warehouse, while Target was looking to beef up its staff for the coming holiday season.
Diamond Peak Ski Resort was looking for seasonal help, as well as some year-round administrative staffers. Recruiter Becki Boenke said the resort offers a shuttle service from Carson City to the Incline Village resort for its employees.
Another Incline-based company, the Hyatt Regency, was actively making job offers to Ormsby House employees Wednesday.
Employment coordinator Christie Rowe said the Hyatt has just completed and extensive interior remodeling including opening a fourth restaurant.
"We had a full schedule of interviews today and we'll be back tomorrow for more," Rowe said. "We brought our executive chef to talk with the cooks and we offered signing bonuses for some positions."
Other gaming properties participating in the fair included the Pinon Plaza Resort, Slot World, Harrah's, Harvey's, Caesar's and the Carson Valley Inn.
But at least some of the job hunters were happy to see non-gaming options presented.
"I talked to a lot who want to get out of the hospitality industry," Shelley Quilici, who works for the Career enhancement Program of the Nevada Employment Security Division, said. "They want to be home in the evenings, off on weekends, be with their kids."
She and veteran's employment representative Scott Palsgrove manned a table to provide information about the various training opportunities available for people to increase their employability. The division also has a portable computer set up so applicants could link into the state's computerized Career Information System and check job listings nation-wide.
Most of the workers at Wednesday's job fair arrived early, with a few coming in later on.
