Corridor Career Fair Scheduled for April 25, 2009

Record Number of Job Seekers Expected This Year

(Technology Corridor)  - Over 2,000 job seekers are anticipated at this year’s Corridor Career Fair scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2009, at the Michael J Gould Kirkwood Recreation Center on the main Kirkwood campus in Cedar Rapids.  Last year’s attendance was 1,100.

According to DaLayne Williamson, Workforce Services Director for the Iowa City Area Development Group, more than 60 area employers and organizations are attending.  “We have a great cross section of Corridor companies again this year,” said Williamson.  “For job seekers attending the fair, we encourage them to watch the Gazette and check CorridorCareers.com for a complete listing of participating companies and organizations.”

New this year will be a “Hot Jobs” board with specific job leads from fair participants. “Hot Jobs” will be displayed near the entrance to the fair and updated throughout the day.  Job seekers can revisit the board to make note of employers they should meet.

For job seekers, the key is to come prepared for the fair, says Kari Lammer, Workforce Services Director for Priority One in Cedar Rapids.   “We encourage all job seekers to update their resume, dress professionally, and research companies that interest them.  We will have resume critiquing sessions and other informational panels to help those looking for work in the Corridor.”

Lammer also adds that many employers will be looking for workers with experience.  “There may be some entry-level positions, but positions advertised through the Corridor Career Fair primarily require some level of experience.”

The Corridor Career Fair is hosted by a growing partnership of area organizations and schools committed to workforce development in the Corridor, including the Cedar Rapids Chamber of Commerce, Gazette Communications, the Iowa City Area Development Group, Iowa Workforce Development, Kirkwood Community College, Priority One of Cedar Rapids, and the University of Iowa.  New partners this year include Coe College, Cornell College, Kaplan University and Mount Mercy College.

Schedule of Events  
This year’s Corridor Career Fair is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will be held at Kirkwood Community College in the Michael J. Gould Recreation Center on the main campus at 6301 Kirkwood Blvd in Cedar Rapids. 

Job seekers will be able to meet with employers between the hours of 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Resume critiquing will also be available throughout the day as well as an internet café for job seekers to apply online.  Special workshops/presentations are scheduled for the following times:

9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. How to Have a Successful Job Fair (Tips to Maximize Your Time)
10:30 a.m.    Human Resources Panel
12:30 p.m. Skills Advantage and Iowa National Career Readiness Certificate presented by Kirkwood Community College and Iowa Workforce Development

All 2009 Corridor Career Fair events are free of charge.