JobLINC Career & Information Fair Links Customers to New Opportunities

Colleges and companies converged on the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library recently with a common goal – helping Mid-Southerners return to the classroom or to the world of work. More than 1,900 jobseekers got one step closer during the 2011 JobLINC Career and Information Fair.

Among the line of jobseekers was Christian Brothers University graduate Patrick Childers, who despite his college degree, has been unemployed for more than a month. “I’ve been interviewing at different places, but I’m trying to keep my options open for other opportunities.” Childers said he hoped to find those opportunities at the career fair along with the job he has been searching for. “I’m looking for something more than $8 or $9 an hour,” he said. “I’m looking for a salaried position with benefits.”

Other attendees like University of Phoenix graduate Candice Johnson also came to the fair on a mission. “I’m looking to build a career in healthcare administration,” she said. “My goals are to become a healthcare educator, educating youth and adults on leading healthy lifestyles.”

To help jobseekers reach their goals, forty vendors participated in the event, including the Secret Service, Shelby Residential & Vocational Services (SRVS), MLGW, Krystal’s Restaurant, Comcast, Region’s Bank, the University of Memphis, LeMoyne-Owen College, and many more.

Companies like SRVS offered jobseekers applications to complete on the spot. “When we bring applications to job fairs, people can fill them out and bring them directly back to us,” noted Kytrinia Blakley, Director of SRVS Human Resources Department.

But several other companies, such as Comcast, have moved their applications online. “Most people who have approached us have been computer savvy,” said Comcast recruiter Kristil Hayes. “Some people said they were going upstairs right now (to use the Library’s computers) to apply.”

JobLINC Senior Librarian and event organizer Robyn Stone said whether applying in person or online, jobseekers can get the job done using Library resources. “Companies have pushed jobseekers to their web sites for a while now. This is where the Library comes in by offering free [Internet] access … JobLINC addresses this need by assisting individuals with setting up e-mail accounts and navigating employer sites,” Stone said. “We are committed to the Library’s mission of satisfying the customer’s need to know. And in today’s world, that includes technology.”