FORT RUCKER, Ala. (July 26, 2012) -- With times making it difficult to secure steady employment, Fort Rucker provides a job fair each year to ease the stress of job hunting.
The ninth annual Fort Rucker Area Job Fair will be co-hosted this year by the Ozark area Chamber of Commerce August 22.
This is the first year the fair will be held in Ozark, taking place at the Ozark Civic Center from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the event is free and open to the public. Last year's fair was held in Enterprise.
"We decided to go to Ozark because it's important for Fort Rucker to confirm to the community that we want to support the area and give citizens easier access to go to this job fair," said Debbie Gaydos, the Fort Rucker employment readiness program manager.
More than 25 employers will be in attendance. Some companies include: Manpower, Army Fleet Support, Navigator Development Group, Inc., and Time Warner Cable.
People should expect to be interviewed at the fair, said Tanya Roberts, executive director of the Ozark Chamber of Commerce.
"This is not a business fair. It's local businesses that are hiring now. They are offering jobs," she said.
Gaydos said that people looking for either jobs or looking for a career will find what they are looking for at the fair. "The opportunity to meet face-to-face with this many hiring agents at one time doesn't come along often, so take advantage of this opportunity."
She added that 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."
The city will also be hosting a resume writing workshop Aug. 8 from 9-10:30 a.m.to help prepare attendee's resumes. The workshop is free and open to everyone, and will be held at the Ozark Area Chamber of Commerce. Roberts suggests making a reservation early because seating is limited. To make a reservation, call 774-9321.
For anyone looking for tips and advice on job hunting, Gaydos stands ready to help.
"I can't express enough that people should be dressed professionally. Absolutely no jeans, flip flops or shorts. You only have one chance for a first impression. It's very important that people be professional. I am sure we are going to have a lot of people there, and if you want to knock out the competition then you should dress like you deserve the job," she said.
Roberts has an optimistic view on career changes and job hunting for service members and their Families.
"People shouldn't go into the process thinking they are going to fail or not get a call back. Practice interviewing with a Family member so all your answers are fresh on your mind and don't forget to bring plenty of resumes," she said.
For help in finding employment, visit the employment readiness program in Bldg. 5700 or call 255-3949.
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