New job fair format was a hit with employers, students

RUSSELLVILLE Seniors at Russellville High participated in a different kind of job fair this year.

In addition to talking to and learning about the various industries in the area, this year’s event had a new twist – the seniors could actually apply for open positions.

Career Technical Education Director Dr. AnnaKay Holland said while the school has held career fairs before, it was always to gather information. This time, the students were encouraged to bring copies of their resumes and dress as if they were interviewing for a job, and interview with potential employers who are actively hiring.

Holland said about 60% of the senior class will not be attending a two-year or four-year university.

“Our plan was to consider what those students will do once they get out of high school,” Holland said of the revamped job fair. “We wanted to match them up with companies and help them network with professionals in our area so they could see what jobs were available right here.”

Holland said without opportunities like this, many students won’t realize the variety of opportunities available in Franklin County.

All of the 30 companies participating in the job fair were hiring.

“Every company was willing to hire and to talk to students about what training they need,” Holland said. “It helps remove some of the barriers to handle it this way, and I think it’s opened the students’ eyes as to what is available.”

Leading up to the event, juniors and seniors took part in mock interviews through their English classes.

Career coach Alissa Moore said the school also had college representatives come to campus to talk to students about writing resumes.

“This year’s 11th graders got the same (training) as our seniors,” Moore said, “so they’ll have two years of that by the time we have another job fair.”

Moore said the students were excited leading up to the event.

“Some are just looking for work during college or for the summer, and others are looking for jobs they can start right away and go the route of starting work immediately without college,” Moore said. “We don’t want someone to graduate and wonder what to do next and not have this information because opportunities are endless.”

Tanner James, talent acquisition coordinator with CB&S Bank, said some of the qualities they were looking for included someone with a “great personality and great work ethic.” James said the event provided a convenient chance to meet “a lot of young talent that we can help mentor and let grow within the bank.”

“I love it,” James said of the new format. “I think it’s great to try to keep our candidates local and try to grow the bank where our headquarters is. My job is busy, but I enjoy it, and I’ve talked to quite a few good prospects.”

Elizabeth Antonio said she is looking to major in business and branch out into real estate and cybersecurity. She interviewed for a CNA position and a banking position.

“I think it’s really helpful,” Antonio said of this year’s job fair, including the interviews for active openings. “Especially for people who don’t have time to do it outside of school. I think it’s a lot less stressful being in a familiar environment.”

Uriel Mojica interviewed for manufacturing jobs. His other plans include going to college to study engineering.

“I feel like you have a much better chance since you’re able to see multiple companies at once,” Mojica said. “You might find something you haven’t heard of and will be interested in.”

Dianet Felix said she’s currently looking for work as a substitute teacher or in translating. She plans to get a degree in NICU nursing at Northwest Shoals Community College.

“I feel more comfortable doing it this way,” Felix said of the format change. “It’s a more informal atmosphere for everybody.”

“I think I want to go into accounting and business and then go into law and apply for law school. I like the way the job fair was set up. It feels like a safe environment, and I liked everyone doing it together, so you don’t feel alone,” said Airielle Cooper.

Sgt. Brad Pounders was one of two firefighters representing the Russellville Fire Department. He said the setting provided more of a chance for one-on-one discussion, allowing for questions a student might not feel comfortable with in a group discussion.

“You get to know the students more on a personal basis,” Pounders said, “and you get to let them know more in depth the benefits of the job they’re interviewing for.”

One of the employers, Brant Johnson with the Pipefitters Local 760, said an event like this year’s job fair serves to open students’ eyes to employment possibilities.

“We also talked about things like confidence and eye contact,” Johnson said. “The students have done very well. You can tell they’ve done a lot of preparation.”