christinamguerrero.com ~ the official site ~
Job seekers make their way
to Napa Valley College Spring Job Fairs
Copyright 2001 Christina M. Guerrero, The Napa Valley Register
This is a slightly edited version, so my apologies to the Register.
I noticed a few grammatical errors and corrected them.
I also deleted a few names and several long paragraphs full of statistics.
It was obvious what attracts an employer to potential employees at the Napa Valley College Spring Job Fair at the college’s gymnasium on Wednesday.
Economics aside, with its ups and downs, layoffs and downsizing, it all boiled down to chemistry, from first handshake to promises to get in touch later.
It didn’t matter if the job seeker was dressed in power suits or baggy jeans and sweaters, or if he or she wore simple jewelry or pierced noses and eyebrows. What made the difference was a positive attitude, a smile and preparation for the opportunity.
Employers may have looked twice at applicants who wore anything other than a business suit, but judgmental body language vanished upon a professional attitude from the dedicated job seeker.
For example, an employer with some down time watched the people walking back and forth. She noticed a young woman -- who wore spiky turquoise hair, a tank top and capris -- who carried herself with confidence. The young woman turned and smiled, and the employer smiled back. Contact was made.
Whether downsized from failing dot-coms, brand new to the job market or looking for new opportunities, visitors to the Job Fair had opportunities to speak with recruiters from approximately 120 companies. Approximately 1300 people showed up for the day session from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and about 500 for the evening session from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Last fall’s day-only session attracted 1200 people.
Owners of a local burger franchise recognized the importance of personality. When asked what makes candidates stand out in a positive way, they replied in unison, “A smile.”
Another employer added, “And a positive attitude. It’s important that customers know you will take care of them.”
Two job seekers were already armed with this information as they wandered through the gym, which held approximately 120 employers who were recruiting. One said, “You should look interested. Be prepared with your resume.” The other added, “Smile Be outgoing. Ask questions.”
In addition to personality, the economy was a factor for some recruiters. Although the economy is in a downturn, several employers still said the pool of job seekers is small, due to low unemployment in the Bay Area.
“We’re fighting to find workers in a smaller hiring pool,” said a deputy from Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff. “We’re competing with the private sector.”
A recruiter for Dey Laboratories, Inc., agreed and said, regarding candidates for technical and manufacturing jobs in the Napa area, that she sees the same candidates over and over. To stand out from other candidates, she said that integrity and reliability are valued along with persistence, keeping in contact with potential employers and ongoing training in one’s field.
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