Looking for work? Job fair coming

Those who are looking for a job may want to attend the Richland College Spring Job Fair, sponsored by Career Services. It will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on March 25 in El Paso Hall. It’s free and open to students, former students and the community.

Stan Katz is a senior career planning specialist with Career Services.

“I usually have between 50 and 60 companies. Sixty-four companies have signed up so far this time. There are a lot of job openings,” Katz said.

He added that the job market is strong and the economy is doing well. “This is probably the lowest unemployment [rate] in Texas in a long, long time,” he said.

The job fair will include opportunities for both part-time and full-time employment. A complete list of participating companies is available in advance through Career Services in El Paso Hall, Room E090A.

Some companies may hire students before they graduate while others will require a degree. Katz reminded those applying to bring several copies of their resumes.

“Career Services can help them with a resume, if they need help,” Katz said. “It’s all free.”

Jobseekers at the job fairs should dress “workforce casual.” For men, that means a sport shirt or khakis. “You don’t need a coat and tie anymore,” Katz said.

“For women, wear preferably a dress if you have one,” he said.

“Dark colors are usually good, such as gray or black or nice slacks.”

Katz said Career Services can help with interview skills and has a clothes closet for men and women.

“If they don’t have anything professional, they can come in here and we can help them with that. They can keep the clothes. They’re free,” he said.

Jobseekers should not ask about salary at the job fair. Katz recommends asking about the position and the hours.

Katz said that customer service-related fields are in demand now. It might be face-to-face or phone banks, perhaps for people who call to find out about their insurance policy. There will also be positions available in the medical fields.

Career Services has much to offer students in their search for work-related issues, including career assessments.

“If a student is not sure of what they want to study or major in, they can take a career assessment,” Katz said. “Once they do that,” he said, “staff will sit down and go over it with a student to help them figure things out.”

Story continues with participating companies online at richlandstudentmedia.com.