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More than 30 booths are at today’s Black Press Extreme Education and Career Fair

A peak at some of the booths and tips for making a good impression
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There’s a lot of great local businesses and post-secondary institutions in Red Deer today for the Black Press Extreme Education and Career Fair, so come and meet with potential employers or search for your perfect school.

The fair is being held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Red Deer College’s Cenovus Learning Commons, located at 100 College Blvd.

With more than 30 vendors on site, there’s sure to be something for everyone.

“The diversity of the companies is always amazing to me,” said Sheri Jackson, Black Press Media’s events manager.

“Quite often, you will see job fairs that are more specific to one industry rather than the ones that Black Press hosts. We offer really everything under one roof, and this is a benefit to all age demographics, so I think that is unique.”

Post-secondary institutions attending the fair include Red Deer College, Delmar College, Vancouver Island University, MC College, Bow Valley College, MacEwan University and Burman University.

Some major employers who will have booths include CWC Energy Services Corp. and Hub International, as well as less-typical employers such as 10 and 2 Driving School and the Commissionaires.

Local concrete pre-fabrication company Eagle Builders is looking for a full-time precast drafting checker to join its growing team in Blackfalds.

According to talent management lead Allison Copleston, the Good Samaritan, which runs long-term care facilities in Alberta and B.C., is looking for health-care workers such as LPNs, aides and RNs, and some administration staff.

“Our main goal is to hire nurses,” said Copleston, adding a positive attitude is always a plus.

Cory McJannet, member development co-ordinator for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 424, says he doesn’t want to see job seekers in a suit and tie, as an electrician would never wear such attire in the field.

Unlimited Potential (UP) Community Services, which has a mandate of helping people reach their potential, providing services to youths, adults and families, with offices in central Alberta and Edmonton, is looking forward to attending the career fair.

UP is looking to fill several positions for child and youth care workers and Indigenous specialists, according to talent acquisition specialist Sofiya Kulunchakova.

They prefer candidates with education in human services and experience working with children, youth and families.

Kulunchakova said just bring a resume and a smile.

WorleyCord, an oilsands and energy construction, fabrication and module assembly company, will have a booth as well.

The Cord Group employs more than 2,000 professionals and trade specialists in Western Canada and has office locations and modularization yards in central Alberta.

Other employers on the hunt for workers include Bravo Target Safety, Precision Well Servicing and Eagle Well Servicing.

Tips to make a good impression at the fair:

1) Do your research. If you know the company or school you’re interested in, look up their website or carefully read the job description, so you will be prepared to answer specific questions about your experience and suitability for the position, or know what questions you want to ask in return.

2) Come prepared. Have your polished resume in hand, free of typos, and dress appropriately for who you’d like to speak to. If you’re looking at several different employers, consider writing a few different versions of your resume, tooled to that specific job or company. Be prepared to speak to your qualifications and sell yourself a bit, not just handing over a resume and scurrying away.

3) Show some energy. A smile and firm handshake, along with a positive attitude, can go a long way to making a good first impression.

Things to take away:

Make sure you take business cards, brochures or other handouts from prospects you’re interested in. It also doesn’t hurt to take notes, so you’ll remember who you want to follow up with or other important information.

For more information on the Black Press Extreme Education and Career Fair, visit the Facebook event page facebook.com/blackpresscarerrfair, email localwork@blackpress.ca or call 1-855-678-7833.