Big turnout expected for Industry job fair
By Ryan Carter, Staff Writer© Pasadena Star News, April 18, 2009
WEST COVINA - Organizers and participants in next week's City of Industry Job Fair & Expo are well aware that this year will not be business as usual.
The event will be from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday at the Industry Hills Expo Center, 16200 Temple Ave.
And organizers expect easily more than 2,000 jobseekers to attend in hopes of landing jobs through the 45 employers and exhibitors who will fill the center, Sachs said.
That's compared to the 1,400 jobseekers who attended last year's annual event.
"I expect a huge turnout, because of the fact that so many people have been laid off," said Charlene Gregoroff, assistant to the CEO at BioTouch, a Walnut-based cosmetics company that produces permanent make-up.
But a large turnout could mean a "perfect market" of applicants to choose from to fill a communications position, sales jobs and expense manager position, she said.
BioTouch is one of many employers and job training organizations that will be on hand Tuesday.
They include 24 Hour Fitness, the LAPD and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Devry and the Hacienda La Puente School District, among others.
The job fair comes on the heels of state data out Friday reporting 11.4 percent unemployment in Los Angeles County.
Earlier this month, a Rancho Cucamonga job fair drew nearly 4,000 jobseekers, looking for work in fields ranging from health services and sales to information technology.
Not all will get jobs right off the bat. But that's no reason to stay away, Sachs said.
"I think what this does is it gives perspective individuals with their resumes a spot, where if companies begin to hire again, they've got a list of people they can call upon," Sachs said.
It helps to make a good impression, though, said Gary Kaplan, CEO of Gary Kaplan & Associates, an executive search firm in Pasadena.
Kaplan offered some prospective job searchers as they seek work at the job fair.
Dress like you would for an interview, and cater that attire to the kind of job you are looking for.
"If you are going there presumably for professional or administrative opportunity, or to network or meet people that might consider you down the road, I'd go there looking like a professional," Kaplan said.
Know in advance who's going to be there, and target particular companies. Do some research on them, using the Internet. Have some questions ready.
"Go in there with some first-hand knowledge about the organization ... you want to demonstrate knowledge, interest and curiosity about the organization," he said.
Don't forget, a good handshake doesn't hurt.
Look them in the eye.
"Remember, you are going to be judged from the first moment you approach a booth," Kaplan said.
Don't talk too much. It's important to listen, and and not to overpower someone.
Find out what the next steps are, and what needs to be done after the initial meeting.
