Being prepared before attending a job fair is the best tool in anyone's arsenal. In times of high unemployment like these, the competition for a limited amount of jobs is fierce. So if a job fair is marketed well, the turnout is greater and the opportunities lower, thus creating a catch 22 situation, according to an article by Michael Nell on youngmoney.com. Preparation can be what sets you apart from other applicants and gets you the interview, maybe even the job.
The following are upcoming job fairs around the area over the next three months.
The tenth annual Diversity Employment Day Career Fair will be held on Jan. 26, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Seattle Center Northwest, room 305, on Harrison Street. In order to avoid huge lines, it is recommended that you either arrive early or pre-register by sending an email with your resume to fasttrack@citycareerfair.com.
On Feb. 10, try the colloquially titled ‘Jobbernaut' at the eleventh annual Greater Seattle Job Fair. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the largest hiring event in the Northwest will host over 30 hiring companies from King, Pierce, Snohomish, Whatcom, Skagit, and Island counties. Seahawk's Qwest Field & Event Center, West Club Level; enter through the NW V.I.P Entrance, located on 800 Occidental Avenue South.
Western Washington University will host a Winter Career Fair on Feb. 11, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., in the Wade King Student Recreation Center, 516 High Street, Bellingham.
On Feb. 23, the Red Lion Inn in Bellevue (11211 Main Street) will have a job fair from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For those that are just separating from the military, the Vets Job Fair on March 10 is a great place to start looking for a new career. Many leading local employers, who have immediate openings suited for the skills and discipline acquired while serving our country, will be in attendance. The event, sponsored by the Pierce County VETS group, will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the AMVETS, Post #1, 5717 S. Tyler Street in Tacoma. Future dates of this specialized job fair are scheduled for June 9 and Sept. 8.
Saint Martin's University will hold its spring 2010 Career and Internship Fair on April 13, in the SMU Marcus Pavilion from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The fair, which is co-sponsored by the Evergreen State College, will be showcasing many Puget Sound businesses, government agencies and nonprofit organizations.
The fair is free to job seekers and is open to students, alumni and the general public.
Tacoma Community College will have a career fair at their Tacoma Campus, 6501 South 19th Street, on April 22. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., stop by the gymnasium (bldg. 21) and see what local businesses are hiring. This event is free to all participants and open to the community.
Head downtown on April 27, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and check out the job fair at the Hotel Murano in Tacoma (1320 Broadway Plaza).