Goodwill Sets Record with 1,050 Attendees at March 19 Job Fair

Record numbers of individuals are continuing to utilize Goodwill of Central Arizona to help them prepare for and find work. Goodwill hosted approximately 1,050 job seekers and 35 employers at its Job Fair on March 19 at the American Legion Hall in downtown Phoenix.

Hundreds of individuals lined up outside of the building several hours before the free job fair began - a clear sign that central Arizona residents are anxious to find jobs in this slow economy.

Several attendees said that they had been unemployed for months and were looking forward to meeting with companies that were hiring.

"I've been looking for work for three to four months after being laid off," said Lewis Anderson, who participates in the Arizona Center for Responsible Fatherhood program. "Goodwill advised me about the job fair and it's been a great opportunity. I'm making connections and filling out applications. Now we'll see who calls me."

Vickie Prokop, a Scottsdale resident, said that she has been searching for an administrative position since December and the Goodwill job fair was a good experience.

"I'm glad I came - the representatives were informative and friendly," Prokop stated.

Participating employers included Aaron’s Sales, Dunkin Donuts, FedEx Ground, Macayo's Mexican Kitchen, Spherion and Wells Fargo Bank.

Veronica Gamez, a recruiter with FedEx Ground and a Goodwill Business Advisory Council member, said her company was seeking part-time Package Handlers at the job fair.

"Applicants who were outgoing and eager to work are the kind of people we want," said Gamez. "I encourage applicants to bring a resume to show that they have steady work experience."

Gamez also advised people who visited her table to see the bigger picture.

"The Package Handler job is a physical, entry-level position but FedEx Ground offers many opportunities for growth," said Gamez.

Michael Burchett, Career Center Educator, encourages job fair attendees to learn more about the career services that Goodwill offers.

"The resume and job fair preparation workshops we conducted had a very noticeable effect on the people who visited the job fair; some employers commented on how prepared the job seekers were," said Burchett.

The March 19 event was the first of many job fairs to be held by the organization in the Phoenix area throughout the year. Job fairs hosted by Goodwill are intended to match qualified candidates with employers, thus furthering our commitment to Put People to Work.

Companies and individuals interested Goodwill's Career Services at (602) 254-2222 or visit our Workforce Development page.