MEDA Job Fair Brings out Hundreds of Jobseekers

Job Fair BlogFair weather brought out a crowd in the hundreds to MEDA’s second job fair of the year, eager jobseekers showing up with resumes in hand and hope in their hearts. A throng queued up starting at 12:30pm, awaiting the doors opening at 1pm sharp.

The outcome? There were 225 jobseekers, one person was hired on the spot by a local solar company, five more will interview today at MEDA and other hiring managers indicated that they are working on setting up interviews.

MEDA staff on hand enjoyed bantering with the surprising number of Irish students looking for summer work while in the States for a few months, while every other demographic slice of the Bay Area seemed to be in attendance. Despite the crowd’s diversity, there was one common goal: attaining employment.

Companies set up tables laden with resource materials, with representatives at the ready to answer prospective employees’ questions. The companies ran the gamut from such large chains as Walgreens and Starbucks to smaller companies needing a few extra workers.

Job Fair 4One company representative was Jeff Gutierrez of the eponymously named Jeff Gutierrez Event Security & Services. This firm provides security for events, include the popular “Outside Lands” three-day concert held in Golden Gate Park each August. When asked why he came to MEDA’s job fair, Gutierrez stated, “My business is seasonal, with demand growing in the summer. I am looking to build my database for security positions, plus ticket takers and ushers. This job fair is perfect to find the talent I need.”

Job Fair 2MEDA’s hardworking Workforce Development Department flanked the corridors of host site Valencia Gardens, which served as the perfect venue. Explains MEDA Job Coach Orrian Willis: “We chose Valencia Gardens as a means to provide a large, comfortable space that is conveniently located for jobseekers. In targeting employers for the fair, we specifically asked those who are currently amidst peak recruiting season. Our expectations are that many people attain employment as a result of our Workforce Development team’s efforts.”

Those efforts were apparent today, with MEDA staff endeavoring to match employers and employees. Connections were made and job offerings are sure to be the result.

Summed up jobseeker Hernando, “I put in three resumes today. It was so much better to have face-to-face interaction with employers compared to sending resumes online. I am glad MEDA set this up.”

MEDA plans on hosting another job fair this year.

If you are interested in free job training at Mission Neighborhood Access Point, please contact us at (415) 282-3334 ext. 160; workforce@medasf.org.