Job career fair connects job seekers/employers

One of the biggest and best-attended job and career fairs in eastern Washington will be held April 18 at Big Bend Community College in Moses Lake.

The 20th annual Job and Career Fair at BBCC features 65 exhibitors representing a diverse and high-quality group of employers. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Grant County ATEC building.

“Our job fair has been successful because of the growth of jobs and diversity of employers in this area,” said Deborah Correll, chair of the job and career fair planning committee. “Few job fairs can feature new employers almost every year.”

This year, Aviation Technical Services in Moses Lake and the Amway Nutrilite factory in Quincy are featured new employers. Last year, ChinaSoft and Pacific Coast Canola were new exhibitors.

“It is exciting to see the new companies and the opportunities they represent for jobs, economic development and positive change in our area,” said Correll.

Employers attending the fair include companies involved in manufacturing, food processing, retail, service industries, health care, aerospace, education and technology. BBCC programs that provide training for these jobs set up exhibits adjacent to the employers.

“There is no other place in this area where you can touch base with so many employers in one location and in one day,” Correll said.

Fair-goers can check with SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers, REC Silicon, Genie Industries and others to learn more about what they require for employment.

“We like to see the national employers, but we’re always grateful for the continuing support over the years from our local employers,” Correll said.

“The job and career fair is an opportunity for job seekers to interview the company, to ask questions,” Correll said. “It is also a great opportunity for those not looking for a job right now to discover who the key employers in the Grant County area are and what they are looking for in employees.”

WorkSource and SkillSource partner with BBCC to develop workshops and activities for job seekers.

WorkSource moves its employment office resources to BBCC for the day. Attendees can take advantage of workshops helping them prepare for job interviews, completing applications and writing a resume.

2013 Job and Career Fair

Workshop Descriptions

Beginning at 9:30 a.m.:

Decreasing job search stress – how to remain positive

Presented by James Beck and Dawn Miller

Job search can cause stress for the calmest of people. The impact of “rejection” by numerous employers can be stressful at best, and create health problems as a worst-case scenario. We’ll discuss how to minimize stress during the job search by recognizing the potential impact, and by participating in good self-care.

Beginning at 10:30 a.m.:

What are employers REALLY looking for?

Employer panel presented by recruiting and staffing professionals from local companies

Have you ever wanted to hear directly from the person making the hiring decision? This employer panel will feature representatives from local companies, and they will answer questions about what they look for in candidates. These employer representatives have done recruiting for: Aviation Technical Services, Fastenal, Quincy Foods, Columbia Colstor, McCain Foods, Express Professionals and ConAgra LambWesten BSW.

Beginning at 11:30 a.m.:

How Facebook, social media and cell phone use can impact your job search

Presented by Bonnie Jeffery

The amount of personal information available online to potential employers increases every day. Many job seekers are making a first impression through social networking sites long before their first interview. This workshop will provide you with helpful hints to keep you from derailing your job search or losing your current job.

Confirmed exhibitors as of April 1, 2013:

SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers, LLC; Frito Lay; Family Services of Grant County; SVZ-USA, Inc .; ResCare HomeCare, Inc .; Grant County PUD; ConAgra Foods Lamb Weston/BSW; Skagit Transportation; Columbia Colstor; Home Care Referral Registry and PRN, Inc .; IEC of Washington; Odessa Memorial Healthcare Center; Quincy Foods, LLC; USDA Rural Development; McCain Foods USA; JR Simplot; Adams County Development Council; SkillSource; BBCC Aviation Maintenance Technology; CWU Moses Lake; REC Silicon; BBCC Automotive; Amway Nutrilite Plant; University of Phoenix; Advantage Plus Agency; BBCC Welding; Best Human Resource Solutions, Inc .; ChinaSoft International; Crown Moving Company, Inc .; National Frozen Foods Corporation; TacoTime; IBEW 191; Total Employment and Management Team; Washington Army National Guard; Safeway; Assured Hospice; BBCC Computer Science; Aerotek/Genie; Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University; Grant County; OIC of Washington; BBCC Nursing; Aviation Technical Services; Samaritan Healthcare; BBCC Medical Assistant; The Odom Corporation; Horizon Credit Union; BBCC Business Information Management; Sonico; The Gorge Amphitheatre; Grant County Sheriff; BBCC IST; Lincoln County; Express Employment Professionals; Columbia Basin Health Association; Heritage University; BBCC Commercial Driving; United States Marine Corps; Moses Lake Clinic – Columbia Basin Health; Staples; CDM – Career Development in Manufacturing; BBSI; Spokane Police Department; Omni Staffing Services.