PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — As challenging economic times persist nationwide and in Aroostook County, Northern Maine Community College is hoping to challenge the perception that there are few opportunities for job-seekers in the region. NMCC will host its annual job fair Thursday, March 8 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in the gymnasium.
The 15th annual job fair will feature more than 40 businesses and provide an opportunity for the public to meet with hiring representatives from businesses, organizations and government entities from throughout Maine all under one roof.
“Since the business people speak with many individuals throughout the day, it is encouraged that the attendees looking for work bring resumes that they can leave behind,” said Ruth White, regional director of the Early College for ME program. “Leaving a resume behind will give the employer the sense of what skills you have and the type of work you have done in the past. Getting to know you at the job fair will make you a memorable candidate for the desired position.”
With hundreds of people anticipated, it is crucial to make that lasting first impression when speaking with the company’s representatives. White recommends attendees approach each vendor with a positive attitude, show self-confidence, greet with a firm handshake, and don’t be afraid to ask questions about the company.
There is also a section where the prospective employers can conduct an interview if necessary. The attendees should come prepared for an interview to take place upon the employer’s request.
According to a recent poll, many recruiters are concerned with the lack of focus found amongst job-seekers, the inability to communicate clearly, and asking about the salary even before the job seeker gets a position within the company. White suggests that when attending the job fair, attendees should pay close attention to the company representatives when being spoken too. It is also important not to mumble when responding to the representatives and to try to communicate in a way that will be understood.
There will be representatives from NMCC and Husson University at the job fair to encourage attendees to continue their education.
“We know the economic conditions have become much worse and layoffs have hit households that have never been affected before,” said White. “The job fair at NMCC brings together a wide range of employers who are looking for skills from laborers, nurses, lab techs, truck drivers, construction, heavy equipment operators, administrative assistants, manager trainees, plus many more.”
The organizers of the job fair hope that area residents take advantage of having a large number of employers in one location to learn about the job opportunities that are available. White hopes that people of Aroostook County realize this job fair is for them, as well as for future graduates of NMCC, the University of Maine at Presque Isle, the University of Maine at Fort Kent, Husson University and Loring Job Corps.
