Annual job fair returns in Strathmore

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Strathmore’s annual job fair, hosted by Prospect Human Services, took place at the Travelodge, Feb. 28, welcoming job seekers to an environment encouraging networking and in-person applications. 

“We had about 24 local employers and service providers to connect local job seekers with opportunities. Everybody here is actively hiring,” said Heidi Lane, workforce advisor with Prospect Human Services. “Trying to navigate some of the barriers with online applications, this was an opportunity to break through some of those digital barriers and have a face-to-face conversation, make a good impression, and maybe explain some gaps in your resume, or to have the opportunity to really get to know the employer and put your best foot forward.”

Lane explained many jobseekers who attend events such as this may be those who are seeking a first job, mothers who have not been at work for an extended period of time, or those who may not be the most confident job searching online. 

A job fair provides an opportunity to put oneself out there and speak with a wide variety of employers actively seeking applicants.

In this instance, the job fair was focused on the benefit of the local community who are seeking opportunities, and the local employers who are in need of extra hands to their workforces. 

“In today’s job landscape, it is a unique opportunity that you even get the chance to meet the employer before you apply, so that is definitely something that is unique about a job fair opportunity,” said Lane. “Most places are looking for an online application these days, so this really gives you the chance to kind of break through that and meet somebody, and you are more likely to get an opportunity if they already know who you are.”

As a standard, Prospect Human Services aims to see 25 employers coming out to participate in the annual job fair, which is about the limit able to be supported by the Travelodge venue. 

This year, reflective of the current job market, employers offering construction-based jobs were plentiful. Additionally, food service, retail and entry-level positions were widely available to job seekers. 

“We also had more intermediate and senior level roles as well, including administrative … we had a marketing company here, and some community service roles as well,” said Lane. 

Prospect Human Services hosts similar events in several nearby and surrounding municipalities. In Strathmore, roughly 300 job seekers tend to attend on an annual basis.

More information, as well as support to job seekers is available locally at the Prospect Human Services office in Strathmore, as well as through their website.