Job fair may be the biggest yet

This column appears in the Nevada Appeal Wednesday health pages. It addresses topics related to the health of our community.

Unemployment in Carson City peaked in 2011 at 14.4 percent. The most recent figures indicate unemployment has fallen to 7.9 percent, but despite this encouraging economic growth, there still are many without jobs. The Workforce Program at Carson City Health and Human Services, JOIN, Inc. and the Carson City Chamber of Commerce hope to see that number fall even further. On Friday, Sept. 26, the organizations are partnering to host a job fair at the Carson City Community Center to help Carson City residents find employment.

The last fair, held in February, was instrumental in securing employment for 49 jobseekers. The job fair this month is projected to draw employers from a variety of sectors looking to fill vacancies in their organizations.

“We have retail, manufacturing, gaming, call center employment, utility companies, health care, the armed services, and more,” said Lynn Ellis, workforce case manager at Carson City Health and Human Services.

Event organizers are anticipating 50 employers to participate this time around.

For the first time, job fair organizers are offering early admission to the job fair for veterans who are looking for work.

“We want to be accommodating for those who have served our country. That’s why we’re opening the doors early for veterans to attend and get the first spots in line to meet with the employers,” said Taylor Radtke, a Health Department spokesperson.

Veterans are welcome at 1:30 p.m. with the public at 2. The fair will run until 4:30 p.m.

Ellis encourages prospective employees to come prepared for the job fair.

“The employers have choices. You are the person that will impress them and make them want to interview you and hire you. This is your opportunity to meet up to 50 employers who are seeking out the right person to fill their job openings,” she said.

She recommends jobseekers bring résumé copies, dress as if this is an interview, and follow up with employers after the fair is over.

For those interested in brushing up their résumé and interviewing skills before the job fair, Carson City Health and Human Services is offering free weekly employment and interviewing preparation classes called WorkForce Strategies every Wednesday from 2-4 p.m. at their offices on Long Street.

For more information about other Health Department services, check out our website at www.gethealthycarsoncity.org or visit us at www.facebook.com/cchhs.