In an attempt to help area residents struggling to find work, Orland Township is hosting a job fair on May 19.
Orland Township will host its annual Spring Job Fair 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Orland Township Activity Center, 14807 S. Ravinia Ave., Orland Park.
The job fair is free and open to residents and non-residents.
“Many individuals and families in our area are still struggling financially in this current economy, leaving them unable to find steady work to provide for their families or establish a future career path endeavor,” said Joe Snaidauf, public relations/community outreach coordinator for Orland Township. “Our surrounding area has a diverse population with a wide range of talent and educational attainments in search of a challenging position. Recruiters will have opportunities to engage candidates for open career opportunities seeking skilled and unskilled labor, as well as recent graduates with academically rich backgrounds.”
The township has been hosting two job fairs every year since 2009, Snaidauf said.
“Our annual Spring Job Fair has been a very successful event that has benefited both employers and job candidates,” Orland Township Supervisor Paul O’Grady said. “A good number of local employers have filled available positions with applicants they met at past Orland Township job fairs.”
About 200 job hunters attended the fair last fall. Fair officials expect the same amount of job seekers at next week’s fair, said O’Grady, who spearheaded the event in 2009.
At least 35 employers will be at the fair. The dress code is business casual.
The Orland Township General Assistance office organizes the event, reaches out to local businesses and provides rooms, tables and chairs. A lunch also is provided for employer representatives participating in the job fair.
“Our job fair has a local, neighborhood feel to it,” Snaidauf said. “A number of companies are right here in the area and one-on-one conferences can take place with further contacts is a strong possibility for job seekers.”
There also is a computer lab that can be accessed to fill out any online applications immediately after speaking with an employer.
“That is a huge benefit to those at the career fair who may be instructed to provide information on the company’s website,” Snaidauf said. “Attending the fair allows you to research career possibilities, network with prospective employers, make your first impression with employers and get your first impression of a prospective employer.”
In addition to the job fair, the township also is providing a resume critique station with professional career coaches. The resume assessment is free.
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For more information on the job fair, visit www.orlandtownship.org or call (708) 403-4222.
Kelly White is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.