FORT RUCKER, Ala. (March 7, 2013 ) -- For teens looking for a job or the right college, Fort Rucker and child youth and school services put together the second Teen Job and College Fair to help young adults focus in on their intended path.

The event is designed to provide local businesses and colleges the opportunity to recruit teens into the workforce and college, as well as for teens and parents to have an opportunity to speak with prospective employers and college representatives, according to Denise Honeycutt, program manager for the EDGE! and Hired! programs with CYSS.

"Children 15 and older should come and see what the local area has in terms of available jobs and colleges. It will provide different options for teens, no matter where their interests lay," she said.

The fair is free and will be held March 16 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the youth center, Bldg. 2800, on Division Road with around 15 businesses and colleges being in attendance from the tri-state area.

Honeycutt advises teenagers who have been in the market for a job or have questions about college life to attend the event because it offers person-to-person interaction.

"The personal one-on-one time teens will receive is something they won't get over the phone or by searching the Internet. Things can get confusing, so, by coming and meeting a real person, it only benefits the teens," she said, adding that the interview process will help sharpen attendees' skills.

The event will offer a variety of information for everyone in the Family, according to Honeycutt, because local businesses from post as well as off post will be in attendance, as well as online and traditional colleges.

"This event will be helpful for teens and parents alike. Parents should want to be there because they sometimes have additional questions that their child might not think about to ask. It is just a great way to explore all the options and learn about financial aid and current job trends with your teen," she said.

The event can help thin out the possible fog that surrounds applying for college, and what looks good on a work or college resume.

"There is testing to get into college and many have different requirements, so the colleges can advise students and answer any questions they may have," she said.

Other college questions concerning tuition, grants, scholarships, courses, loans, financial aid and college life will be addressed at the event.

"There are so many things out there to help with the price of college. The representatives will be able to help the kids make the right decision on where they should go to college or where they should start their college career based on their interests and needs," she said.

Attendees should bring their academic and professional resumes.

"If a teen needs help preparing a resume, they can go to Army Community Service (Bldg. 5700.) They provide assistance for resume building," said Honeycutt.

Teens should also be dressed in business casual or Sunday best.

"First impressions are important and how you dress reflects who you are. So they should make sure they are dressed and prepared to be interviewed at the fair," said Honeycutt.

Honeycutt had a few pointers for teens who intend to attend the fair concerning proper behavior, speech and interviewing skills.

"The more you know about the company you are trying to get a job at the better. Know its mission, how you fit into that mission and how you can make that mission happen. Know what you want to achieve, and be honest and straightforward with the interviewer, but be sure to stay true to yourself," advises Honeycutt.

"Make sure to keep eye contact -- don't stare them down, though. Be sure to have a firm handshake as well, and don't be afraid to ask questions and be confident. Go in there thinking that you are worthy of the job and can handle the responsibilities," she said.

According to Honeycutt, it is hard for teens in today's economy to find a job and that they should take every opportunity in securing one.

"The job market has been tight for a while and competition is high, so teens need to be prepared to work hard," she said.

Some of the businesses that will be in attendance are Wallace Community College, Baker Online and Center for Graduate Studies, and Directorate of Morale, Welfare, Recreation Sports, Fitness and Aquatics.

For more information, call CYSS at 255-0666.