Q&A with the EDC’s Amy Hammerle on virtual job fairs

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Posted on Jan 05 2021 in Boone REMC
Amy Hammerle
AMY HAMMERLE

How many job fairs have you had?  

We have had seven virtual job fairs since the pandemic began (Pre-pandemic we would host two in-person job fairs.)

How long will the virtual job fairs continue? 

We will continue with the virtual format in 2021. We have found that we are reaching more job seekers with the virtual format vs. the traditional in-person job fair. Not only have we reached more job seekers, we are reaching folks from throughout Central Indiana. In the first quarter of 2021, job fairs are scheduled for Jan 20, Feb 17 and March 17). 

What kind of jobs have been available? 

We have featured many types of industries in Boone County and have featured over 1,100 positions ranging from manufacturing to logistics/distribution to construction and healthcare. (Positions have included assembly line/production team members, welders, maintenance technicians, material handlers/warehouse associates, fork truck operators, CDL drivers, foremen, general laborers, sales, nurses, mental health professionals, food service, literacy instructors, support living professionals and more.)

How much success have you had? 

Although we do not receive reports from all participating companies, we have seen several successful hires, as well as many applications as a result of the virtual job fairs.

What can a participant expect? 

Job seekers who register for a virtual job fair will receive a Zoom webinar link where they can access the job fair on a laptop or any mobile device. Participating companies will provide a brief overview of their respective company, describe their open positions, wage ranges, required experience/type of employee they are seeking, and benefits, as well as how to apply. Job seekers can ask specific questions of company reps using the chat box. Also, a recording of the job fair is emailed to all registered job seekers the following day. We encourage job seekers to register even if they cannot attend the live session as everyone receives a recording following the event.

Is there a specific story you can share? 

FTIC in Jamestown connected with a job seeker immediately following the July job fair and converted him/her to a new hire. His/her HR recruiter has been very complementary and supportive of our new job fair format.