More than 500 turn out for job fair at Civic Center
Published 10:05 am Thursday, January 15, 2015
Kheyloni Chambers of Lake Charles is trying to start a new career and wanted to check out her options at a job fair at the Civic Center.
“It was stressful at first,” said the 24-year-old. “There are a lot of people here, but it turned out really well. I enjoyed it.”
Chambers said she is applying for two separate jobs she learned about. She was among more than 500 job seekers who showed up at the career fair hosted by Business and Career Solutions. The lines were wrapped around twice outside the doors as job candidates waited their turn to meet with the more the 45 employers with booths. Attendees were advised to wear business attire and bring several copies of their resume.
Ashlyne Pollock, 21, is originally from Texas but recently moved to Lake Charles.
“I was nervous, but I got through it,” Pollock said. “Job fairs like this are very important. Whenever you’re looking it’s kind of hard to find a job sometimes.”
Crystal Scott, business services manager with Business and Career Solutions Center, said 300 applicants pre-registered for the event with an additional 200 walk-ins.
“This is by far the largest turnout we’ve ever had,” she said. The center, at 2424 3rd St., works to match job seekers with employers year-round but also hosts quarterly job fairs.
In October 2014, there were about 150 job seekers with the same amount of employers.
“Job fairs are imperative. Job fairs are an excellent opportunity to connect hundreds of job seekers with thousands of vacant positions,” Scott said. “There is no better chance to speak to 40 employers in one location.”
Employers included Sasol, Polaris, Fluor and First Federal Bank of Louisiana.
Mike Johnson, district sales coordinator with Aflac, said the turnout was great with “a lot of prospective employees.”
“Some are looking for jobs and some are looking for careers,” he said. “We’re here to help them.”
Paul Woodard, employment and training coordinator with Market Basket, said job fairs are beneficial for employers as well because it helps them see what candidates are available.
“We get to see a bunch of people at one time and hopefully fill up some positions rather quickly,” Woodard said.
The event is sponsored by the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury, in conjunction with the Workforce Investment Board, the Louisiana Workforce Commission and funded by the Workforce Investment Act. Scott said if an individual is still looking for work or did not get the chance to speak to the employer of choice contact the Center at 721-4010. The next event will be from 9 a.m. to noon April 8 at the Civic Center.
(MGNonline)