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Pocono News Section
Career Fair Draws Fewer Businesses
Career Fair Draws Fewer Businesses - Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at 04:10AM EST
Reported by: Jeremy Deebel
Tuesday March 16 2010
WILLIAMSPORT, LYCOMING COUNTY -- Participation at local career fairs can be a great indicator of current economic conditions. And that includes both those hiring and those looking for jobs.
As visitors check out the exhibits at this year's Lycoming College Career Fair, a telling sign stands out. The number of job seekers is similar, but the number of businesses has dropped dramatically.
There are 26 vendors at this year's career fair. That's 10 less than last year, and half the number that have shown up in some years past.
Lycoming College Director of Career Services Mary Jo Campana said, "Some of the employers have indicated that they do not have the positions available so they would not want to be here if they didn't have anything to offer."
Also of note, organizers tell us that research shows, on average, there are now five job seekers for every opening available.
Corey Andreas, of Bloomsburg, says he's not surprised. He explained, "I think businesses are trying to be more careful with who they employ. You have to have the right education. You have to have the right connections. I think that's kind of what it is."
Another interesting sight at this year's career fair - a pitch for going back to school. McCann School of Business Admissions Representative Bill English noted, "That's what McCann's here for - to help you separate yourself from the competition that's out there by providing the career training necessary to get a decent job in this economy today."
Organizers say the bottom line is there clearly are jobs available, and career fairs are a great place to get started. Campana added, "It's a wonderful opportunity for people to network and establish connections. That's the key."
We're told nearly 300 people attended Tuesday's career fair at Lycoming College. | | |
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