Fair features career information, opportunities

PONDERAY — Despite the current economy, employers in the Inland Northwest are hiring.

Today, at the Bonner Mall in Ponderay, businesses are accepting applications and some will perform onsite interviews at the fifth annual Career Fair sponsored by Litehouse and hosted by the Idaho Department of Labor and Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce.

“One of the most challenging obstacles in obtaining a job is ‘getting your foot in the door,’ and the Career Fair allows job seekers opportune face-to-face interaction with employers,” said Amy Little, president and CEO of the chamber.

According to event organizers, current job openings from participating employers include a mix of part-time, full-time, and temporary occupations in health care, manufacturing, administration, services, education, and management.

“The jobs are changing daily as new positions open and existing ones are filled,” said Bridgette Bradshaw-Fleer of the Idaho Department of Labor. She suggests job seekers to take this opportunity to connect with employers regardless of the openings currently listed due to turnover.

Job seekers are also encouraged to prepare for the event by researching the participating employers, bringing plenty of resumes catered to the job/s sought, preparing a 20- to 30-second introduction to use with employers, and dressing appropriately to create a dynamic first-impression. An updated list of participating employers is available online at www.SandpointChamber.com.

At the event, Ruth Wimberly of Human Resource Consulting and Amber Snoddy of Business Management Services will be available to support and counsel job seekers, offering suggestions on resumes and answering questions.

The Career Fair will be held at the Bonner Mall in Ponderay, located at 3201 Highway 95, from noon to 6 p.m.

 For more information, job listings, or to register for the aforementioned workshops, call the Idaho Department of Labor at (208) 263-7544 or visit labor.idaho.gov.

Information: phone, 263-2161; or online, www. SandpointChamber.com.