In-person job fairs return to Rochester

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — In-person job fairs are once again making a comeback helping both the unemployed or under-employed find new careers.

News10NBC visited one hosted by RochesterWorks! and its many partners Thursday.

More than 40 companies sent their recruiters to Monroe Community College’s downtown location to help fill available positions that are open right now.

"I’m getting out there. I’m networking with people. Getting emails, and exchanging contact information. So wheels are moving in the right direction," said job seeker Felix Colon.

With their resumes in hand, hundreds of job applicants like Colon were happy to attend a job fair in person instead of online.

"Where you actually get to shake hands, meet people. Get a glimpse into their personality. They get a glimpse of your personality versus on a computer, it’s just more of a formal business setting," Colon said.

Job seekers had more than three dozen companies to meet with.

Christiano Comeau added, "I’m interested in like hospital area, or like the construction area."

Since the height of the pandemic many companies have been struggling, not being able to find or keep many of their employees. Heritage Christian Services Talent Sourcing Specialist Elinor Zellweg says her organization is always hiring direct support staff, but there are plenty of other career opportunities available.

"We’re also hiring in a number of different departments as well including vocational services, accounting and finance, marketing and communications, recruitment," Zellweg said.

Jobseeker Henrietta Herriott added, "I’m looking for something that will be best for my unique skill set. When you’ve been in government a number of years, it put you in a particular range, and I’d like to be where I feel most appreciated, and where I can show my potential."

This is the first few of many in-person job fairs for RochesterWorks! Career Service Advisor Christopher Young says turn out so far is better than expected.

"We just have to be that connecting, or that canal that is able to put these people in these positions to talk with these employers," Young said.

RochesterWorks! hosts weekly on-site job fairs with different local companies. Click here to keep up with their scheduled events.