Job seekers bustle at the WorkSource job fair

MOSES LAKE – The WorkSource Business Service Team hosted its 20th job fair Friday, drawing a crowd of 200 people within the first hour. The main room, filled to capacity with employers and potential employees, buzzed with activity as representatives conducted on-the-spot interviews, collected resumes, engaged in discussion and handed out free swag.

Food trucks were also stationed outside including Wize Guys Beefs and Delicias, providing food and beverages to those in attendance. Employees of WorkSource were handing out free drink and food tokens.  

“Our goal is to connect employers who are looking for people with job seekers who are looking for jobs,” Career and Training Manager for Skill Source Emily Anderson said. “Our local economy has cooled down a little bit, but we are still seeing lots and lots of opportunities for really good family wage jobs in our community.” 

There were 54 employers at this event including Columbia Basin Hospital, El Catrin Barbershop, H&R Block, International Paper, Ziply Fiber, McCain Foods, Moses Lake Public Library, Ulta Beauty, Washington Potato Commission, the Moses Lake Police Department and 44 more.  

“It's very common to hear of companies who hire people right here on the spot here, of job seekers who get immediate interviews,” Anderson said. “We even have space for employers if they want to pull some aside and do it on the spot. So very successful. We're always really happy with it, and we're also really happy with the quality of our customer service. That's something we really pride ourselves on, and we feel like it's a win if the people leave satisfied and happy.” 

Anderson said that this year’s event was very successful, and they don’t usually see that many people in the first hour. She explained that the parking lot had been full all day and the employees at WorkSource and the employers at the event parked their cars off-site.  

“When we first started these events, we were thrilled with 75 to 100,” Anderson said. “To have 200 within one hour is exceptional and a little overwhelming. Yeah, you can see, though, this is where people come through. So obviously, it ebbs and flows. So, we are obviously going. Much slower now than we did for a while, but that was a lot of people at first.” 

The event also had an American Sign Language interpreter, Christine Dahl, to help those with hearing disabilities participate in the event.  

“She has been working with a group of people since 9:30 this morning, helping them connect with jobs, speaking, interpreting for them, and it's been really great that the glow on those customers' faces has been fantastic,” Anderson said.  

Outside of the hiring fair, there were also staff present to answer people’s questions, regarding resumes, what type of job would fit an attendee’s needs and more.  

“For those that are just not sure where to go next, that whole ‘I don't know, I just got laid off, and I don't know where I'm starting, and I don't know where to start,’ we're here for that,” Anderson said. “We're here to help career builders find their first jobs or their next jobs, and what kind of jobs are here today. It's a huge variety, a bigger variety than normal.” 

Addison Janes, a first-time attendee, said he was very happy with his experience at the fair. He said that the space was a little small for people seeking employment but otherwise, he was very satisfied with his experience.  

“I came because, at this hiring event, I can see more opportunities and maybe get better interactions and interviews and stuff with other companies and more resources to find other jobs,” Janes said. “I think today went really well. I found a whole bunch of employers that I didn't even know existed in this area, and I've been given a lot of resources to apply and figure out where to find a job. So, I think it went really well.” 

Outside of the hiring events, WorkSource is open Monday through Friday to assist people looking for jobs, according to Anderson. There are training services, paid job training and services for veterans, those on cash benefits from the state, and those with disabilities. There are also people there to help with resumes, training for technical careers and more. Most of these services are offered at zero cost. 

“So we do (a job fair) twice a year, and so if something happens in a job seeker's future, be sure to look for one of our future events, but we're always open Monday through Friday, from eight to five, and we can help with resumes, cover letters, mostly anything someone would need for a job,” Administrator for Employment Security Department, Lora Wood said. “We have worksourcewa.com and that's our website where all of our jobs are listed.” 

    The job fair had an American Sign Language interpreter, Christine Dahl, to help those with hearing disabilities participate. There were also multiple staff members translating Spanish for attendees.
  

    There were spaces for employers to conduct interviews with potential employees at the Job fair hosted by WorkSouce Friday.
  

    Wize Guys Beefs and Delicias were in the parking lot of the WorkSource job fair Friday. WorkSource staff were handing out free food and drink tokens to be claimed at the food truck.