Jennifer Rose, employment specialist at Lacks Enterprises, recently participated in the Ready NOW program, a week-long job fair and job readiness event that resulted in the hiring of 12 people. "I was surprised," she says. "I had some great candidates."
After adding over 750 jobs in 2011, Lacks is starting to look at skilled trades and is always hiring engineers. "We are having a hard time finding skilled trades," Rose says. "The competition is tough in manufacturing." Job fairs like the Ready NOW program, she says, help candidates get beyond a paper resume.
Reflecting back on the Ready NOW program, Rose has advice for job seekers. "Give me the complete details. Do not discount volunteer experience. Don't discount fast food experience. Just show me you took it seriously."
On the other hand, Rose also found many candidates lacking in simple job hunting etiquette. "There can be a lack of completeness in application," she says. "[Applicants] don't bring a pen, and they have no references. Some people come in and they are dressed as if coming from a beach. You could be the most qualified person in the world, but some people were not preparing themselves well."
To learn more about Lacks Enterprises, you can visit their site
here.
Source: Jennifer Rose, Lacks Enterprises
Writer: John Rumery, Innovation and Jobs News Editor
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