Job seekers' skills on display at reverse fair

RICHMOND, Ind. (AP) - Wayne County's first Reverse Job Fair brought employers and job seekers together Tuesday, and another similar event might be offered soon.

Twenty-seven job seekers each had their own table at the Kuhlman Center on the Wayne County Fairgrounds, where they displayed their skills.

Twenty-four employers were represented, with some companies bringing more than one staffer to meet prospective candidates.

Wayne County Commissioner Mary Anne Butters, who helped organize the fair, said she was pleased with the day.

She noted turnout was modest for the new event but said employers had multiple openings to fill and job seekers all had high motivation. Each would-be employee had completed high school and some even had graduate degrees.

"The (job seekers) I've spoken with feel it's been well worth their investment in time and preparation," Butters said. "They've met with companies that are definitely hiring and hiring now."

Butters said one participant seeking part-time or freelance work was especially successful. Several companies expressed interest, with one starting a discussion about wages.

"You know they're serious when they're talking about compensation. They're not just being polite," Butters said.

Several job seekers said they didn't see immediate results Tuesday but hoped their efforts would pay off in the future.

Mark Stevens of Cambridge City touted his 37 years of work experience, noting his roles as a machine operator and machine builder. He said he's been in an office environment the past eight years, coordinating and scheduling jobs.

Stevens said he's been unemployed about six weeks, and WorkOne has been helpful in his job search.

"You want to do the best you can in presenting yourself," Stevens said. "I've got faith there will be a door open."

Abigail Chew, who lives near New Castle, sought a job in customer service, office administration, social media or graphic design. The Johnson University communications graduate is returning to work after giving birth to a son.

"I've had a lot of people to talk to, but not a lot of connections," she said.

Sandy Brown of Richmond sought a full-time job with benefits Tuesday. Her display showed degrees in elementary education and library science as well as a certificate in medical coding and some examples of her hobbies.

Brown said some employers took her resume or gave her applications to complete.

She said she liked the reverse job fair approach.

"I think (employers) learn more about you that way," Brown said. "I feel I've gained some familiarity."

Bill Barstow of Centerville hoped to find someone in need of his information technology skills.

"It's been a diverse mix of employers coming through," Barstow said. "They might not have a job that fits me, but they might have something that fits someone else."

Amy Holthouse, president and CEO of the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce, stopped by to visit with participants. She said connections made might pay off in the long term.

"It's neat to see people selling themselves and sharing their accomplishments," Holthouse said. "It's great to hear their stories and know what people are looking for in a job."

Butters said she would like to offer another fair around Mother's Day to reach local high school and college graduates. She's also hoping to draw former residents coming home for the holiday to learn about local job opportunities.

"We've lost so many good people who aren't aware of the Wayne County employment renaissance," Butters said.

The fair even provided beneficial experience for future job seekers.

Alex Shelley, an Indiana University East freshman majoring in business administration, was among those working with Butters and WorkOne staff to plan the fair.

Shelley said helping the job seekers design boards to sell their skills helped him reflect on his own abilities. He and other students in the Enactus entrepreneurship program greeted participants and provided business card holders and refreshments.

Shelley said he was pleased the fair offered not only financial benefits but also could help workers of all ages find something they enjoy doing.

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Source: (Richmond) Palladium-Item, http://pinews.co/1TxT3nw

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Information from: Palladium-Item, http://www.pal-item.com