The red, white and blue hung atop of the fire department’s ladder, gracing the front entrance of the 2007 Fall Job Fair, Oct. 10, at the Kern County Fairgrounds.
Not only did The Bakersfield Californian host the event, it is one of the sponsors along with Hot 94.1.
“More than 75 employers in building three,” said the announcer over the loud speaker, informing fair attendees of the advantages of attending the event.
According to the newsletter, distributed to the many well-dressed employment seekers entering the event, employers from communications such as 29 Eyewitness News and Bright House Networks to government services such as the California Highway Patrol and the Kern County Department of Human Services were in attendance.
“They got a lot of good jobs here,” said Zaaian, 18, who is currently unemployed.
Also packed in Exhibit Building 3, were employment services, fast food, department stores, construction companies, real estate, colleges, clinics and hospitals and many more.
“They have a lot of interesting jobs in there,” said Rolanda, 21, who is also currently unemployed.
According to Rolanda, she is seeking a job that requires the skills she has already obtained, a receptionist job, because she is expecting a baby.
“So I can sit down and don’t have to do a lot of labor work,” said Rolanda.
Although Zaaian is up for anything, he is looking into construction or security for Rabobank Arena.
“It’s been pretty successful,” said Zaaian.
Both Zaain and Rolanda did not give their last names.
According to Mary Russo, market manager for bakersfield.com, approximately 4 to 5,000 people showed up for the event.
“They (employers) are very happy about the turnout,” said Russo.
The Bakersfield Californian and bakersfield.com, which is the Californian online, has been hosting the Job Fair for about two to three years, said Russo.
“It’s really rewarding to host,” said Russo. “It’s always nice to help people find new jobs.”
Not only does bakersfield.com host a job fair each spring and fall, they also host a virtual job fair Web site at bakersfield.com/jobs where job seekers can browse through the options.
“I hear a lot of success stories from people who found good jobs and are very happy,” said Russo. Employers are also satisfied with the amount of qualified applicants, said Russo.
Not only did the fair offer food and drink from places such as Caffe Amante and many tables to accommodate people who needed to prepare for employers’ pre-requisites, prizes were available through drawings and a spin of the wheel.
According to Jason Sperbel, bakersfield.com staff, anyone who signed up to spin the wheel could win T-shirts or mouse pads, which are branded bakersfield.com in order to publicize the website. The prizes for the drawing consisted of an Ipod Shuffle, a CD player and a DVD player. Those who offered their e-mail, would receive an e-mail newsletter about Kern County jobs.
“It’s just getting awareness out about bakersfield.com,” said Sperbel, “and what we have to offer for job seekers.”