“It’s a job seekers market,” says Tim Zipoy, business service specialist with Central Minnesota Jobs & Training Services.

 

And a good place for those job seekers to be  March 27 is Monticello High School for the 14th Annual Central Minnesota Job Fair.

 

It’s an event that brings employers and job seekers together.

 

“It’s a great opportunity,” says Zipoy. “Whether it’s your first job, next job or last job, it’s a chance to come in and talk one on one with a prospective employer - lots of employers, in a way that can’t usually be done.” 

 

Over the past few years as the economy has improved, the event has attracted more and more businesses looking for workers. Last year there were 83 businesses and 407 job seekers.

 

In 2016, it was 89 businesses and 472 people looking for jobs.

 

Zipoy says he’s expecting between 70 and 80 businesses again this year, and already has well more than half with two-plus weeks left in the registration period.

 

“Lots of businesses have found this a proven place to find people,” he says.  “Companies have a wide variety of needs.”

 

And people looking for jobs have no shortage of opportunities. This year’s event, as in years past, will have a selection from manufacturing, healthcare, construction, retail, education, transportation, social services and business services. Companies are also offering part-time jobs, first, second and third shift opportunities as well as summer jobs for youth. The Workforce Center will also be there to help with resumes and coach people on interviewing skills.

 

 “We can help you craft a meaningful message - one that can be impactful to an employer,” says Zipoy.

 

One strategy for job seekers, says Zipoy, is to have an open mind when making the rounds at the event. Just because a company doesn’t specialize in someone’s trade, doesn’t mean there wouldn’t be a match. A trucking company isn’t always looking for just drivers. 

 

“The average person doesn’t always know what some businesses do,” he says. “But just about every company has marketing, sales, IT, logistics, graphic design... lots of “front door” and “back door” jobs.”

 

A few companies already registered include Twin City Die Casting, Aroplax Corp., FED EX, Carpentry Contractors, Cargill, Solar Plastics, CentraCare Health, Anderson Trucking, Legacy Building Solutions, Centra Sota Cooperative and UMC. 

 

There will be lots more, many from Wright and Sherburne County looking to attract people who travel long distances every day to work.

 

As a way to get more local people to the event, the hours are 2 p.m. until 7 p.m.

 

“We’re trying to attract commuters because we realize Wright and Sherburne counties are  labor exporters,” says Zipoy. “So we run a little longer and offer an incentive.”

 

That “incentive” is free pizza provided by Bernatello’s from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., so people returning from their long trip home can stop in and not worry about finding dinner first.

 

Zipoy says the job fair is a great opportunity for anyone.

 

“Whether you’re a high school student or someone at the back end of their career maybe looking for something part-time, whether you’re blue collar, white collar or no collar, suede shoes or farm boots, stop in, get a quick bite and look at your next job close to home.”