Kathleen Depp has spent countless hours filling out job applications online and emailing her resumes to companies who are hiring.
The problem with that process, she said, is she isn’t sure if anyone is even checking her qualifications or simply moving her resume to their junk folder.
Depp joined thousands of others on Thursday at the Hartford Convention Center for Get Hired Hartford. The event, the largest job recruiting fair in the state, hosts nearly 80 companies with over 5,000 job openings.
“There’s more opportunities here,” said Depp, of New Britain. “Some companies that you don’t know are out there even when you go on the internet and you try and Google certain things but you don’t know which ones are out there. It’s kind of like cold calling if you will. At least this way you get your face there with some of the people and hand them your resume and maybe they will remember you.”
Companies, both local and from out of state, took part in event. The Goodwill of Western and Northern Connecticut hosts the event— NBC Connecticut is proud to be a partner.
Organizers of the event worked to ensure there were opportunities for everyone. Local insurance companies, like Aetna and The Hartford saw some of the longest lines form at their booths.
Popular nationwide companies like WalMart, Chili’s Bar & Grill, Whole Foods and Home Depot were represented along with local organizations like the Hartford Yardgoats, CTTransit and Hartford Public Schools.
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“This is one of the biggest job fairs I have ever been to, quite the variety,” said Depp. “There is something for everybody here. So hopefully a lot of us will get hired.”
Job seekers were able to walk up to booths and hand over their resumes in person, giving a smile and handshake that is lost when applying online.
“There is nothing like that one to one contact that you can have at a job fair where you can sell yourself and you can show them your resume and you can expand on your skill set,” said Kathy Thompson of Watertown. Thompson is a veteran who is looking to put her unique military skills to work for a local company.
On top of 5,000 jobs that were available, those attended were offered help with their resumes, free photo copies and a free professional headshot.
“Goodwill is happy to help anyone who is interested in employment. New college graduates, retirees, someone looking for a second job, anyone is welcome,” Vicki Volpano, Goodwill president and CEO said.
If you were missed the job fair, the Goodwill Career Center on New Park Ave. in Hartford offers many of the services that were available at the fair free of charge.
