FORT RUCKER, Ala. (July 18, 2013) -- With more than 100 employers scheduled to be at the July 25 Fort Rucker Area Job Fair and 25-30 times that many job hunters expected at the event, preparing beforehand is key, according to organizers.
The job fair is scheduled for July 25 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Enterprise High School Gymnasium and it offers opportunities for job seekers to dress for success.
Job seekers will meet representatives from a diverse blend of local businesses, government contractors and federal agencies, said Debbie Gaydos, Army Community Service Employment Readiness Program manager.
"If you want to knock out the competition then you should dress like you deserve the job," she said.
"People should be dressed professionally. Absolutely no jeans, flip flops or shorts. You only have one chance for a first impression."
Women are advised to wear professional clothing, such as suits -- pant or skirt -- while limiting jewelry to a minimum and abstain from wearing perfume. Men should wear suits or nice dress pants and shirt.
About 2,500 to 3,000 people are expected to attend this year due to increased space and additional vendors, and Gaydos recommends people to arrive early to avoid long lines.
Since competition is high for every position, Gaydos recommends for candidates to come up with a 30-second commercial about who they are and what skills they have.
"Practice it in front of the mirror and with friends," she said. "It is important for everyone to have a great resume and present themselves well."
Applicants should bring at least 10 copies of their resume and be ready to interview.
"If the applicant is a really good match they may be interviewed on site. There will be an area set aside for that purpose," said Gaydos.
There is no fee to attend, and job opportunities are available in the fields of retail, logistics, medical, law enforcement, Aviation, food service, administration, sales and more.
Army Aviation Center Federal Credit Union, Bay County Vet Center, Lockheed Martin, Office Depot and U.S. Department of State Bureau of Diplomatic Security are just a few companies that will be in attendance.
"The opportunity to meet face-to-face with this many hiring agents at one time doesn't come along often," said the employment readiness program manager. "It can be hard to even get an interview and see someone, because everything is done over the Internet these days. It's not easy getting that one-on-one contact time.
"You can make a connection with someone [at the fair] as well as get a business card," she continued. "This is an opportunity to actually talk to the people that hire."
This fair is the largest employment event in the Wiregrass, with more than 9,200 job opportunities available under one roof, so Gaydos suggests to plan on spending the full four hours at the event.
"Go online and look at the companies," she said. "Make a list of those that might be a match to your skills and see them first."
About 61 percent of the positions require relocation, but Gaydos said that temporary staffing companies will also be in attendance for those seeking local and seasonal jobs.
For help in finding employment or for more information on the job fair, visit the employment readiness program in Bldg. 5700 or call 255-3949.
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