Holmes County Job Expo seeks companies to connect employers with job seekers

Those looking for employment can get help on their job search as local businesses join Holmes County Job & Family Services for In-Demand Jobs Week May 6-10 with a focus on celebrating the uniting of job opportunities, industry and skills that are in demand in Ohio.

To kick off this week, Holmes County Job & Family Services and Ohio Means Jobs will present its annual Holmes County Job Expo at Harvest Ridge at the Holmes County Fairgrounds on Thursday, May 2.

The event is designed to connect employers with prospective employees, and over the years it has proven to be a benefit to both groups as it has given job seekers an avenue to explore job opportunities in and around Holmes County.

“Our goal is to assist job seekers and employers in sharing information that will benefit both of them,” said Buffy Mirich, program manager of Ohio Means Jobs and Holmes County JFS. “We can save both time and money in providing a location that is central to everyone, and there is a wide variety of employment opportunities available to those who are serious in their search to find gainful employment.”

The expo benefits include connecting around 60 area businesses and companies with people seeking possible employment, whether it is for a career or summer work.

The expo will offer on-site employment counselors for seekers needing help and direction, help area businesses fill current employment needs, and encourage business expansion in the county.

Whether seeking employment or employees, the upcoming job expo is a positive for anyone who takes the time to schedule it into their plans.

“It’s a win-win for everyone,” said Sundee Porter, employment services coordinator for Ohio Means Jobs and Holmes County JFS. “If you’re someone looking for employment, it is a place where you can connect with all kinds of employers. And if you are an employer, not only does it offer a place where you can talk to a number of possible employees, it also serves as a great way for companies to create some networking avenues, which we have seen a lot of over the years.”

The expo has grown over the years, from 18 employers in its first year to now more than 60 participating businesses.

The event is now a highly anticipated one for employers who are in need of filling positions with quality people.

Porter said the employers have even learned that bringing in their product to help identify what they do has made a big difference in sharing their stories.

“When we started this in 2008, the business world was 180-degrees from what it is today,” Mirich said. “Back then during the housing crisis, businesses could pick and choose because there were few jobs available and a lot of people seeking work. Today there are jobs available in just about every industry and not as many people looking, so the opportunities to find something for job seekers is great.”

The event will begin with a time for high school students who are seeking employment. From 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. high school students may stop in and interview with the businesses of their choice. This year they have expanded their invitation from just West Holmes and Hiland high schools to Garaway, Waynedale and the area career centers, but any student is invited to stop in and explore the options without having to register.

“We brought in the high school students last year, and it really worked well because it wasn’t as intimidating for them compared to having to interview with all of the adults seeking employment,” Porter said.

The employment opportunities are as varied as are the employers attending the event. Included in the list are manufacturing, health care, hotel management, banking, engineering and more.

According to Porter, with the variety at hand during the expo, there should be something for everyone.

“I know that we have a lot of people seeking employment and a large number of employers with some specific needs to fill at the expo, and our goal is to simply match the two of them up,” Porter said. “If someone is currently seeking employment, this is a golden opportunity for them.”

In addition to the job opportunities, Erich Hetzel of Ohio Department of JFS will give a presentation during the lunch hour from 12:30-1:30 p.m. He will talk about the Ohio Apprenticeship Program. There also will be someone from Ohio Means Jobs on hand.

Porter said while job seekers should bring along some kind of resume and dress appropriately for a job interview, not having a complete resume is no reason why someone should be intimidated because they feel as though they are not prepared well enough, whether it is from an interview standpoint or because their resume isn’t what they want it to be.

“Our employers all want to help job seekers find their niche,” Porter said. “People shouldn’t elect not to come because they feel they are too inexperienced or lack training. A lot of our employers provide training after they hire.”

In addition there will be opportunities for disabled individuals to connect with others, and they are encouraged to stop by and chat with a representative from Ohio Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities.

For those wishing to improve their resumes and interview skills, Porter said Holmes County One Stop, located at the Holmes County Job & Family Services building in Millersburg, is a place where people may stop in and get professional assistance. In addition employee training benefits, online job searches, providing self-help brochures, one-on-one mock interviews to help people get more comfortable in the interview setting, career exploration opportunities and skill matching are just some of the positives that can come from a stop at JFS.

Porter said she believes the event will provide every opportunity for those seeking employment to find something that fits their skill set.

“There is such a broad spectrum of possibilities,” Porter said. “Hopefully we will see a really nice turnout because this is the kind of thing that is so beneficial to both the employers and those seeking employment.”

Job seekers looking for more information may call 330-763-8703. Employers interested in becoming a part of the process may do so by emailing Porter at sundee.porter@jfs.ohio.gov.