The KRA San Diego Metro Career Centers, operated for the San Diego Workforce Partnership, recently hosted its second annual and highly successful Workforce Development Hiring Fair…aka JOB-I-CON…with 300+ jobseekers and 30+ employers attending the event at the San Diego Central Downtown Library (CDL), a comprehensive Career Centers facility.
Dorsey (1st in back row) and the dedicated JOB-I-CON team
Led by Deona Dorsey, Operations Manager, a team of KRA Business Services Representatives and program specialists, representing Breaking Barriers San Diego (BBSD) and Expanded Subsidized Employment (ESE), reached out to their vast network of employer-partners, while Career Agents and other staff promoted the Fair to their jobseeker-customers and the public at large.
Dorsey stated, “What made the Fair a success, we believe, is that the jobseekers were prepared and interview-ready to interact with employers one-on-one, and/or to set up appointments for future interviews. The employers were prepared as well, actively recruiting for immediate, open positions, not just building a cache of resumes. In fact, Accent Care, ACE Parking, Aerotek, Home Depot, Tradesman, Inc., US Security, Randstad, and San Ysidro Health Centers all reported on-the-spot hires!”
Erwin Magbanua, Special Events Coordinator, who was instrumental in marketing the event throughout the CDL system, stopped by upon hearing the “buzz” created by both staff and patrons, and was amazed by the turnout.
Heather Doty, Deaf Community Services of San Diego, Inc., commented, “It was great to see the high value of attendees and the variety of positions available were more than entry level.” And, many other employers made similar observations, including, “This was the best job fair I’ve been at.”; “I met so many qualified people.”; and “Thank you for this opportunity!”
Dorsey continued, “JOB-I-CON candidates were fully representative of the diverse jobseeker-population we serve through the Career Centers. From justice-involved returning citizens, Veterans, immigrants and refugees, to those challenged with disabilities, all were given the opportunity to showcase their unique knowledge, skills, and abilities.”
Typical jobseeker comments included, “I enjoyed seeing the available positions and the opportunities to meet with employers face to face. I’ll be meeting with a recruiter for an interview later this week!”; “This was a wonderful experience…a great opportunity to speak with employers one-on-one.”; and “It was an amazing experience…to talk to employers in person rather than applying online and waiting for them to call. The personal interaction is so much better!”
Dr. Boone’s 20+ years’ experience in the industry is extensive and her expertise in private-, public-, and non-profit sector workforce-services organizations is unparalleled, particularly in the Baltimore–Washington Metropolitan area.
