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Whether you’re looking for work or looking for workers, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to network with business professionals at this year’s Crawford County Hiring Fair. Slated for Wednesday, Oct. 29 at the Crawford County Fairgrounds, this event will open to businesses who are hiring at 10 a.m. and open to those hoping to be hired from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Thousands of people from Crawford County and surrounding areas will be invited to attend the Hiring Fair to explore job opportunities and meet with representatives from various employment sectors face-to-face. Hundreds of jobs are available right here in Crawford County, said Angela Neef, a supervisor at Crawford County Job & Family Services/Ohio Means Jobs, and a Hiring Fair committee member. The County’s local Job Center, JFS assists clients with everything from creating resumes and cover letters to advising on career choices, interview skills and proper attire. The job fair is a great way to put those services into practice, Neef said. “It is free and open to the public and is a great way to get your resume out there and maybe even your foot in the door.”
“So much is done online today, that we forget how important that personal connection is, and how making a good first impression can improve your chances of success,” said Debbi Gifford, General Manager of WBCO/WQEL/Crawford County Now and Hiring Fair committee member. “An event like this benefits both sides of the table.”
Participants in this fair will be given a chance to talk with representatives from area businesses and perhaps even secure job interviews following the event. “There is potential to make the right connection, find what you’re looking for in a job or in a prospective employee, and walk out with promising leads,” Gifford added.
This year’s Hiring Fair includes a bonus for exhibitors as well– a training session that will allow representatives to brush up on their recruiting skills. Called Attract, Hire and Retain (AHR), the presentation is sponsored and given by Spherion of Mid-Ohio. “We wanted to invest in success for everyone involved,” Gifford said. “Even those of us who’ve been recruiting and interviewing candidates for years can benefit from tips and new ways to make connections.”
Businesses wishing to have a space at the Hiring Fair need to register and can do so online (www.crawford2020.com), she added. There is a registration fee (for employers only– this event is free for those seeking jobs) of $60 per business and includes a table, tablecloth and one boxed lunch (additional lunches for representatives can be ordered for $10 each). If a business sends reps to the AHR session at 11 a.m., however, there is a $25 discount.
For job seekers, it is also important to note that free transportation– from anywhere in the county– will be provided, courtesy of Crawford County Council on Aging. Call 419.562.3050 to schedule a ride. Free childcare for those wishing to attend is also available.
The Crawford County Hiring Fair is being sponsored by the Crawford County Education and Economic Development Partnership (CCEEDP), Crawford: 20/20 Vision, Spherion of Mid-Ohio, North Central State College, WBCO/WQEL/Crawford County Now and Crawford County JFS/Ohio Means Jobs. These organizations partnered for this event because they believe strongly in strengthening local businesses and the area’s workforce. Prizes– including gas cards, Ohio State Football tickets, and even a snow-blower– are being raffled off to employers and potential employees to thank all who attend.
For more information on the Hiring Fair, call JFS at (419) 562-8066 #300 or visit their website, www.CrawfordCountyJFS.org. To register, visit www.crawford2020.com.