BY MIKE LANGE

Correspondent

PITTSFIELD — While the job market remains pretty tight, there are still companies in central Maine hiring today. The trick is to find them and convince them that you’ve got the skills they’re looking for.

For job-seekers and employers looking to fill openings, the 5th Annual Pittsfield Regional Job Fair is expected to draw a huge gathering on Wednesday, May 9, at Warsaw Middle School from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.

People who are out of work or want to change careers will have an opportunity to meet representatives of companies and agencies in an informal setting. In addition, there are free workshops on business start-up resources, nontraditional jobs for women, and using social media in a job search.

The fair is a cooperative effort of the town of Pittsfield, the Somerset-Kennebec Transition Team, Employment Times/MyJobWave.com and the Kennebec Valley Community Action Program.

Somerset-Kennebec Transition Team Project Director Dana Hamilton said this will her third fair. She said the first two were well attended.

“Word is getting out that it’s one of the larger job fairs in the area,” Hamilton said. “Not only is it bringing in a lot of folks who are job hunting, but a lot of employers who are hiring.”

“Word is getting out that it’s one of the larger job fairs in the area,” Hamilton said. “Not only is it bringing in a lot of folks who are job hunting, but a lot of employers who are hiring.”

Even the U.S. Border Patrol will have a booth at the fair for the second consecutive year, thanks to Hamilton’s recruiting efforts.

“We had a mini-job fair in Jackman last year, so I approached the Border Patrol about participating there and in Pittsfield. I’m delighted they’re coming back,” Hamilton said.

Pittsfield Town Manager Kathryn Ruth said the average attendance has been 300 to 500 job hunters and 35 to 40 employers.

“We have a large offering of positions available this year, so the attendance will be high,” Ruth said. “While this saves the employers time and money, it also allows the interested job seeker to actually interact with employers.”

Hamilton also had some advice for prospective job-seekers: Be prepared.

“Although the fair is a casual atmosphere, people still need show up with an attitude that they want to work,” she said. “You don’t have to dress up in a three-piece suit, but you should be neat and professional. Also, bring a résumé with you. Even some homemade business cards with your contact information will help.”

 

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