Spring job fair offers crucial tips

Lessons learned and lessons to be learned characterize most job or career fairs, but as the Fallon Chamber of Commerce readies for next week’s job fair in Fallon, the organization’s executive director has some crucial tips for those attending.

The Chamber of Commerce is partnering with local businesses and hiring agencies and local businesses in the Fallon area to host a job fair on April 8 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Wok Banquet Hall, next to the Wok in downtown Fallon. Executive Director Natalie Parrish said the Chamber hopes to connect qualified workforce with local business employment opportunities.

Parish said she has received numerous calls from interested job seekers and what they should bring. Parrish said Thursday individuals should bring copies of a neatly looking resume and do some research on businesses in which the applicant is interested.

Good grooming, proper attire and resumes, though, rise to the top of the list of what employers want to see, Parrish pointed out.

“Dress appropriately,” Parrish stressed. “Grooming is a problem the last time the fair was held. Employers complained about resumes that don’t stand out. The resume is your first impression.”

The last job fair last autumn drew almost 300 people, but only a quarter of attendees were considered for employment.

“We have been thrilled to see about a 25 percent hire rate at previous job fairs, and we hope to increase that number through growing opportunities,” Parrish said.

Additionally, she said the job fair is offering free resume and interview seminars and one-on-one consultations to interested participants throughout the event. They will also be offering free digital headshots for resumes, LinkedIn profiles, etc. during one hour of the morning starting at 10 a.m.

Businesses and organization participants for the spring job fair include The Wok, Fallon Auto Mall, Fallon Right Away, Janess Print & Marketing, Louie’s Ace Hardware, Nevada Job Connect, Western Nevada College, The Homestead, Fallon Nugget, Patracorp, Highland Village, Nevada Department of Corrections, Nevada Departments of Transportation, Navy Exchange, SP Counseling, Crystal Cleaners, JOIN, Manpower, Banner Churchill Community Hospital, Fox Peak, SOC (Hawthorne Army Depot base contractor) and MSC Industrial Supply in Fernley.

Parrish said Fallon and surrounding community members are welcome to participate. She added the Chamber invites all businesses interested in participating to call 775-423-2544 or email info@fallonchamber.com to reserve their spot. Space is limited and will be offered on a first come, first serve basis.