Job fair draws hundreds of job seekers

NORWALK - More than 600 people with hopes of finding a job turned out for Cerritos College's Job Fair October 6. With an August unemployment rate of 12.2% in California, the event saw more attendees - both students and community members - than ever.Hosted by the Cerritos College Career Services/Job Placement Center, employers including local businesses, government agencies, school districts and Fortune 500 companies recruited for job and internship opportunities at the event. "It was great that even during the economic downturn the Job Fair was able to attract nearly 40 companies participating," said Christina The, student placement specialist, who was instrumental to bringing the employers to the fair and has orchestrated the event for years. Employers represented this year include Aflac, Avon, Caltrans, Disney College Program, EDD, Finish Line, Jiffy Lube, LAPD, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Norm Reeves Honda, Primerica, Southeast ROP, Signal Hill Police Department, St. Mary's Medical Center, Think Together, and Target among others. A wide variety of occupations such as accounting, administrative, teachers, assistant teachers, customer services, engineering, marketing, mechanic, sales, police officers and tutors were available for attendees to explore. Reflecting the severe job market, attendees were well prepared and more eager to connect with the employers, which pleased the employers who look for qualified candidates. "This time, I see much more traffic and definitely more interests among job seekers ," said Veronica Ruiz, human resources recruiter from The Car Group. "I was referred to this job fair by my aunt who saw a news article about the event," said Morgan Shenault, who attended the event. "I found a couple of employers who were hiring and was able to turn in my application here." Another indicator of the historic jobless rate was the TV coverage of the event. Fox 11 reported from the event live all morning in "Good Morning in L.A.," encouraging people to come out to the Job Fair. Spanish channel Univision also covered the event in its evening news. "We are very happy with the turnout this time which is greater in terms of the number of attendees, student preparedness and employer satisfaction," said Terrie Lopez, director of Career Services at Cerritos College. "We are here to bridge the gap between our students and employers."

********** Published: October 9, 2009 - Volume 8 - Issue 25