Job fair brings hope to job-seekers, employers

 WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — On St. Patrick’s Day, many people were trying their luck at finding a new job. To help in their search, the Robins Regional Chamber partnered with local businesses to host a job fair at the North Houston Sports Complex.

There, applicants had a chance to meet face-to-face with potential employers. According to the Regional Chamber, many of the businesses in attendance offered in-person interviews and were prepared to hire applicants on the spot.

The Regional Chamber collaborated with 44 local vendors to offer over 1600 positions to interested applicants. Some of those businesses included the Houston County Board of Education, Goodwill, Mercer University, and Chick-fil-A.

With the job searching process shifting online, Robins Regional Chamber President and CEO April Bragg believes that events like the job fair are still valuable for those looking for work. She also believes meeting face-to-face changes the dynamic of hiring.

“It is amazing to watch the instant connections, the facial reactions, when people see someone that they feel has what they’re looking for or seems to align with their mission,” Bragg said. “I think people are able to present themselves in a more authentic way in person, rather than just another piece of paper on a screen.”

The main corridor was filled with hopefuls as the event was underway. Bragg estimated around 900 people attended. She believes this is a good sign that people are looking for work, whether that is a second job, a new 9-to-5 position, or a full-blown career change.

The Georgia Department of Labor reported Warner Robins’ unemployment rate at 3.2% as of January 2022. In January 2021, the unemployment rate sat at 4.7%.

According to Bragg, unemployment is at an all-time low, and available job openings are at an all-time high, indicating an “employee’s market” for job openings, similar to a “buyer’s market” for housing. She credited the growth to business expansion, stating the growth has become a “perfect storm.”

“It’s a new opportunity, a new challenge, but the turnout today is a testament to the fact that Middle Georgia is ready to work,” Bragg said.

Local businesses we spoke to agreed with that statement. Cinnamon Medley, a staffing specialist with Qualified Staffing, said: “There are a lot of people right now that want to work right now, it’s just finding those people.”

Heather Adams, a member services director with Houston Lake Country Club agreed.

“Some of the people I’ve met today really want to work,” Adams said. 

If you really want to work, but missed the job fair, have no worries.

“We knew there were going to be people that wouldn’t be available during this window, or, even attendees who might not get to all the people they want to talk to,” Bragg said.

That’s why, to enhance the experience, the Regional Chamber created an online resource to help those seeking a job to find work. In the guide, you’ll find links to the hiring pages for the businesses that attended the job fair. The guide will be available digitally on the Robins Works Facebook group as long as positions are still open.

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