Up & Coming Weekly

8 UCW OCTOBER 7-13, 2009 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM The news is full of stories about the ailing economy these days. Unemployment numbers are rattled off to the public almost daily, and lately the news hasn't been very good. On Thurs., Oct. 8, Cumberland County Department of Social Services, along with Cumberland County Workforce Development Center, Fayetteville Technical Community College, the City of Fayetteville Community Development Department, Beasley Broadcast Group Inc., Hiring Now the Magazine, and Fayetteville - Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce are hosting the Fall into Work Job Fair at the Crown Expo Center. While Fayetteville has faired better than many towns during these hard times, there are still folks looking for work and employers looking to fill vacancies. Over the years this event has grown considerably making it a great resource that helps both potential employees and employers too. " We've been doing this since 1999," said Robert Ralyea, Cumberland County Social Services employment coordinator. " We probably had 45 vendors and we might have had 1000 people come through that first year... we've gone from 45 vendors and maybe 1000 coming through to over 72 vendors and about 2500 people come though last year." This year, the event sponsors have lined up more than 100 vendors and are hoping to see upwards of 3500 attendees. With so many vendors scheduled to attend, Ralyea is excited at the variety of industries that will be represented. " We are going to have people like the county government, the city government," said Ralyea. " We'll have some day cares and medical care. We'll have manufacturing represented, several temp services that will be hiring. There will be government jobs, educational jobs, professional jobs, food service jobs, sales jobs.....there is great opportunity if people will come in and take the opportunity. Ralyea and his coworker Bill Kiser have been instrumental in setting up these bi annual job fairs since the program's inception. Although Social Services is involved, both men stressed that this is a community event, you don't have to be unemployed, collecting benefits or associated with Social Services in any way. In fact, even if you are already employed and are looking to move up the corporate ladder or are looking for a change of pace/scenery in the coming months, this event is probably worth your time. While hard statistics on success stories are hard to track, R alyea and Kiser both agree that the benefits are worth the effort it takes for the sponsors to put on the event and the energy it takes for the attendees to update their resumes, don professional attire and get themselves to the event. "I would venture to guess that probably 20% or more of the people who come through the job fair get hired," said Kiser. "Of course that depends a lot on what employers are looking for, but employers actually use applications from a job fair for at least three to fours months after an event. They use that for hiring on down the road." The Fall into Work Job Fair is free and open to the public. It starts at 9 a.m. and will run through 2 p.m. Professional dress is required. Bring plenty of resumes and pens, there won't be access to printers or copy machines at the event. If getting to the Crown Expo Center is a problem, there will be free van service from the Employment Security Commission Parking lot at 414 Ray Ave., and the Department of Social Services at 1225 Ramsey St. to the Crown and back to these locations. Transportation will be provided by B&W transportation. Call 677-2177 or 677-2222 for more info. STEPHANIE CRIDER Staff Writer COMMENTS? 484-6200 ext. 222 or e-mail Stephanie@upandcomingweekly.com Resumes at the Ready, Job Fair Set at the Crown by STEPHANIE CRIDER " FAYETTEVILLE 1 866 942 7762 PLANNED PARENTHOOD We plan to be great parents some day. 'Til then we're using birth control." FAYETTEVILLE 1 - 866 - 942 - 7762 www.plannedparenthood.org/centralnc PLANNED PARENTHOOD Planning is Power. Job Fair Tips • Bring essential items only • Bring several copies of your resume, there will NOT be any access to copy or printing machines. • Do not bring children, cell phones or Blue tooth devices • Dress to Impress • Dress for the job you want, wear a conservative outfit and colors • Wear appropriate jewelry (one ring per hand and no dangly earrings) • Arrive Early - prioritize the employers you are most interested in seeing • Make a good first impression with a warm smile, a strong hand shake, eye contact and a positive attitude • Introduce yourself • Speak clearly and professionally • Be prepared to talk about your work experiences, skills and abilities Stress qualifications and training Do not exaggerate or lie Do not discuss your personal problems • Have a few questions prepared for your recruiter What kind of skills and experience are they looking for? What is the hiring process? This is not the time to ask about salary, vacation time and benefi ts.

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