42 businesses to attend Cape's seventh annual career fair

With uncertainties plaguing the economy, Tuesday's Career Fair at the Osage Community Centre in Cape Girardeau may provide financial relief for some job seekers in the area.

Sponsored by the Southeast Missourian and the city of Cape Girardeau, the career fair will include interviews with representatives from a range of industries and sessions with professional resume writer Samantha Nolan. Most employers present will have immediate jobs to fill.

Event coordinator Robin Strop, classified ads manager with the Southeast Missourian, said the event will help job seekers explore options and employers find prospective workers. With 42 registered businesses planning to attend the career fair, Strop said, the fair is bucking the notion that employers are not hiring in an economy where Southeast Missouri's second-quarter unemployment rate stands at 6 percent.

"Around here that shows that our employers do have a need to find quality workers," Strop said. "This event will help the job seekers prepare themselves the best way they can to land employment at one of our area companies."

The seventh annual fair will run from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and is free to the public. Nolan will share her knowledge of methods to find that next job.

Nolan will lead a session on advanced resume-writing strategies at 11 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. and offer one-on-one resume advice sessions from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. and 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. The 10-minute slots are on a first-come, first-served basis.

Strop advised job seekers to dress appropriately and research beforehand the companies they wish to talk with.

"The bottom line is being prepared," Strop said. "These employers are looking to hire and have immediate openings."

Mayor Jay Knudtson said the event has helped in recruitment of large employers, such as National Asset Recovery Service in 2006. More than 900 people submitted applications at the job fair two years ago, sealing the company's decision to open an office in Cape Girardeau.

Today, more than 600 people work at NARS.

"The city places a huge emphasis on this annual job fair and is proud to host and sponsor this event," Knudtson said. "I believe that there are circumstances that arise where the city needs to step up and champion special and impactful events within our community."

For more information, contact Strop at 388-2761.

bblackwell@semissourian.com

388-3628

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