October career fair aims to connect jobseekers and employers

For many jobseekers, career fairs and networking opportunities can make all the difference in a job search.

Patrick Ferraro, Employer Relations Consultant at the Career Development Center (CDC) of Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JF&CS), works directly with employers looking to hire new talent, and structures CDC career fairs in a way that allows for meaningful interaction between employers and jobseekers.

“Career fairs at the CDC are very different from a typical career fair,” Ferarro said. “We aim to allow at least 10-15 minutes for each attendee to spend one-on-one with employers to discuss their background and qualifications. That’s why we stress the importance of registering for our career fairs in advance.”

Ferarro suggests that jobseekers attending a career fair at the CDC consider the following tips to maximize their experience:

1. Do your research and communicate your value - Research employers that will be at the career fair beforehand and any available positions. If there are specific companies you’d like to work for, be ready to discuss the company and clearly communicate why you’d be a great fit.

2. Develop relationships – If there isn’t an available job for you, don’t overlook the tremendous opportunity you have to network. Building strong relationships with recruiters and decision-makers will make sure that you’re on their radar when new opportunities arise. “Don’t go in with the expectation of walking away with a job that day,” Ferarro said. “Instead, engage the recruiter enough to make a lasting impression. Recognize the value of making a human connection when the employment process is mostly digital.”

3. Contact the Career Development Center – A career consultant at the CDC can help jobseekers connect to job leads, provide coaching to better prepare for interviews and offer advice and support to those who may be feeling discouraged with slow progress. Jobseekers may qualify for free services under one of the many contracts the CDC holds, and for those who don’t, services are available on a sliding fee scale based upon ability to pay.

“Above all, don’t be discouraged by slow progress,” Ferarro said. “Keep networking, attending career fairs and applying for jobs-you never know how or when a door will open up.”

Later this month, WorkAble, a United Way of Allegheny County-funded partnership of JF&CS, North Hills Community Outreach (NHCO) and South Hills Interfaith Ministries (SHIM), will hold a career fair for adults throughout the region on 9 a.m. – Noon, Wednesday, October 22, in the Millvale Community Center, 416 Lincoln Avenue, Pittsburgh, 15209.

The upcoming career fair will include employers from UPMC, University of Pittsburgh, Rivers Casino, Allegheny Health Network, the Caregiver Connections program of JF&CS, and several others.

The career fair is appropriate for all levels of professional experience and available positions range from entry-level to director-level. Available positions include jobs in administration, finance, customer service and positions in the healthcare field, among other opportunities.

Attendees can expect to meet one-on-one with recruiters for brief in-person interviews.

Individuals wishing to attend the career fair are encouraged to dress professionally, bring multiple copies of a resume and research employers and available positions beforehand. Attendees should be prepared to discuss specific positions that they have found and applied to online in advance.

Parking is available on-street and at nearby metered lots.

Those wishing to attend the career fair must register in advance by calling 412-408-3830 ext 3216. Those who are struggling and need assistance can call the WorkAble hotline at 412-904-5993 or visit www.workableac.com.

Launched in the fall of 2012 and supported by the United Way of Allegheny County, WorkAble is a county-wide employment and critical needs service for struggling adults. WorkAble serves unemployed and underemployed individuals throughout Allegheny County at NHCO sites in Allison Park and Millvale, SHIM offices in Bethel Park and JF&CS offices in Squirrel Hill.

Additionally, the CDC helps those in our community who are unemployed and looking for work, as well as those who want to make a career change or need support along the way navigate the job search process by providing extensive resources and support, such as workshops, career fairs, one-on-one resume and interview help and more. The career consultants and staff at the CDC work with people of all ages and levels of experience to help them find employment and build careers in our region, even in the difficult and competitive job climate so many are currently facing.

For more information about services and programs available at the CDC, call 412.422.5627 or visit www.careerdevelopmentcenter.org.