Job fairs still play a solid role in the recruitment efforts of many local employers, even in an era dominated by online job matchmakers.
Two job fairs will be in full swing locally this week.
The STEM school at Owens Community College is holding a job fair free and open to the public from 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesday at Heritage Hall on the Perrysburg campus of the college.
Nineteen employers have registered so far, including such notables as First Solar Inc., Taylor Automotive, The Andersons, SSOE, Toledo Tool & Die and Walmart, said Pete Kowal, internship manager at the STEM school.
The following day on Wednesday, The Blade Job & Education Fair will take over the Pinnacle in Maumee from 2 to 6 p.m. Some 32 exhibitors are expected and include ProMedica, Hilton Garden Inn, the Ohio State Highway Patrol and Sun Federal Credit Union.
Connie Cross, Blade classifieds manager, said the fair will attract hundreds of job seekers.
“We are always pleased and happy to help many people gain employment or even find a new career path,” she said.
Renhill, a Toledo staffing agency, will be at The Blade fair on Wednesday.
People who take the time to attend a job fair are usually serious about finding a job, said Tracey McNeal, business development representative with Renhill’s health care staffing unit branded as Renhill Healthcare on Demand.
That face-to-face meeting allows a rapport to develop that might not take place virtually, she said.
“I prefer to meet people,” Ms. McNeal said, adding that some good job candidates might not have internet access or interview well online.
She said the health care staffing division is one of the newest at Renhill, stemming out of the pandemic. Renhill has a longer history of offering staffing to schools, light industry, and hospitality companies, she said.
Staff provided to companies and schools could be temporary or, in some cases, lead to permanent employment for workers, she said.
Toledo-based Harbor, a mental health and substance use treatment nonprofit with 24 locations in Ohio, will have representatives at The Blade job and career fair as well.
Job seekers should expect a relaxed reception from Harbor staff, so come dressed comfortably, said Jamie Longenbarger, director of marketing.
Harbor is looking for people who are passionate about working with others and the community, Ms. Longenbarger said. The agency has about 550 employees and 70 job openings at any given time for clinicians and support staff across its locations, she said.
The culture at Harbor is dress for your work day, which, depending on tasks could be anything from business casual to khakis and a golf shirt to even blue jeans, she said.
People coming to the Harbor booth will get a warm reception if they just dress for the type of job they seek, she said.
Job seekers can apply on the spot at the fair or scan a QR code and go to the Harbor website to apply, she said.
Mental health services are in high demand and Harbor is growing, Ms. Logenbarger said. Job fairs are another tool to recruit employees beyond online sites that Harbor also uses, such as Indeed, she said.
“Come with a smile and positive attitude,” she said.
Mr. Kowal said some students and others attending the Owens job fair are likely to wear a jacket and tie, as they have in the past. The STEM school at Owens typically holds a job fair in October and again in April, he said.
Coats and ties are not necessary, but dressing neatly is recommended, he said. More importantly, bring resumes and other materials that potential employers can immediately see, he said.
Job fairs are an excellent way to meet people and explore what local companies have to offer in a relaxed environment whether it results in a quick job offer or not, Mr. Kowal said.
He said job seekers and company representatives might just click or intelligence can be gained for future reference or to pass along to family members or friends.
“You don’t even have to be searching for a job,” Mr. Kowal said. “It’s a great place to network and meet people.”
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