http://www.vermontjournal.com/content/2014-river-valley-employment-fair-positive-thinking
2014 River Valley Employment Fair - Positive Thinking Submitted by admin on Tue, 04/29/2014 - 12:30pm By JAMES PETRYCKI The Shopper SPRINGFIELD, VT- April 23rds joint effort between River Valley Workforce Investment Board, VT Dept. of Labor, Creative Workforce Solutions and the River Valley Technical Center at the Nolin Murray Meeting Center on Summer Street in Springfield came across as a success. All those who coordinated this event should be commended for their efforts. Also, all the businesses who sent their representatives to the fair deserve kudos as well. With around two dozen potential employers, including staffing agencies representing several others, there was still enough space at Nolin Murray where job seekers weren’t stepping on each other. And there were enough looking for jobs to keep most, if not all, representatives engaged throughout. With employers looking to fill multiple positions, a good estimate is that there were possibly 100 + potential jobs, and that’s nothing to sneeze about. The bulk of the positions pay ranges that were listed ran from $11-$18 per hour. There were a few more upper level positions that salary ranges weren’t posted. That’s the not so pretty part of the job search/interview process where the cat and mouse game really gets interesting. It seems there is an imaginary line that employers won’t cross in most cases, and I personally think it falls at $35,000 per year. Past that point, it really becomes a tug of war for each and every dollar. I was disappointed at this, but I certainly understand. It’s about getting the right person for the right job and at a job fair like this, it’s possible all would flock towards the higher paying positions and leave the other booths empty. The overall benefit to having these types of events serves all on several fronts. First, and what I feel is most important, is you meet face to face. In today’s computerized world, the job search is more about placing catchy words on paper, between pumping up one’s resume or a job description that has so many specifics it becomes a novel to read, than it is about the people and companies themselves. We are always told not to judge a book by its cover and yet we’re also told first impressions are lasting impressions. In this environment, sometimes a good firm handshake and a smile with a quick 2-minute elevator pitch goes a lot further than faceless information. Secondly, many job seekers and employers get bogged down with the constant barrage of websites that posting and searching becomes burdensome. Having a gathering place such as a job fair can alleviate some of this. Though it takes time and effort on the part of the employers to send representatives and community coordination, as was the case on Wednesday, it seems that the benefits would far outweigh any hardships to make this happen. Employers want workers and people want decent paying jobs, and although our national economy has gained some stability, jobs continue to be major issue, so any efforts to gain ground on this front cannot be considered a waste. Lastly, it brings togetherness. Now togetherness won’t put gas in your tank, pay your mortgage, or in the case of the employer, fill your orders nor answer your phones, but it does let everyone know that nobody is giving up. Nor should we. Job fairs bring communities together. Yes, there is a sense of purpose to it. It’s not like going to your family’s BBQ. It’s about seeing others in the same boat as you and that there is hope out there. It’s not all gloom and doom. There are employers who are equally in need for employees as there are those looking to get work. And there are additional state and local resources to assist as well. We just all need to connect. Last Wednesday, at Nolin Murray in Springfield VT, we did just that
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