(rdnewsNOW/Troy Gillard)

By Troy Gillard

job fair

Hundreds flock to Central Alberta Job Fair

Apr 10, 2019 | 6:09 PM

At a time when finding the right job, or any job for that matter, can be difficult there are still some tried and true methods to stand out above the rest.

Getting away from the computer is a good way to start says Aaron Sheppard with the Career Assistance Network, who hosted their annual Central Alberta Job Fair Wednesday at the Pidherney Curling Centre.

“Overall, I think most people just want to rely on going online, checking out a website, clicking and applying. That makes sense as the easiest option to go through, but stats tell us that barring a few segments of the market that’s one of the worst ways to find a job,” he says.

“That’s why an event like this is so valuable. You get to show who you are, campaign and present yourself as to what you are offering. You will be unique in that sense because not many people do that.”

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People from all walks of life are looking for these days, Sheppard notes, meaning competition can be tough.

“We are one of the unique job fairs in Alberta and western Canada in that we don’t target a certain area,” he explained. “We get people from all spectrums to come. We have brand new immigrants trying to look for their first job, long-term oil and gas employees, CEOs and people in high management looking for work in those areas, as well. (There are) young people and those who are say 45 or over.”

Hundreds of people made their way to the job fair on Wednesday to meet with dozens of prospective employers.

Sheppard says he was encouraged by the number of oil and gas companies at the event.

“You hear a lot that we’re constricted in that area, and we are, definitely, but there are still quite a few out there who are hiring,” he noted.

At the same time Sheppard admits he’s dealt with a lot of people in recent months looking for a fresh start.

“A lot of people are going through that. A lot people who were in oil and gas have had enough of the boom/bust cycle. I’ve seen a lot of that in the last year and a half, a huge spike of people saying ‘I’m not just leaving for a season, I’m leaving for good.’

“Surprisingly, a little bit of the entry level customer service-type works seems to be a bit more dried up on the exhibitor side of things,” Sheppard continued. “I don’t know why that is. It may just be employers are able to fill their spots with the amount of unemployment we’ve had lately.”

When it comes to staying optimistic while hunting for a job, Sheppard says knowledge is power.

“I just encourage people to research the actual market, don’t believe what you hear, and to go out there – there’s lots and lots of work.”