Job seekers in Kern County had a chance to connect face-to-face with employers at the annual Job Fest at Dignity Health Convention Center in downtown Bakersfield, where more than 100 companies were expected to be hiring across a wide range of industries.

The event, organized by Kern County Human Services, was scheduled to open at 9 a.m. and run until noon. Organizers said job seekers should arrive prepared with resumes and plan to spend time visiting multiple booths.

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Frank Cabrera, an organizer with Job Fest, said the event was shaping up to be one of the largest yet.

Cabrera said the event had grown to about 140 employers, adding that organizers “had to actually add extra booths because of the excitement and the need for, you know, job opportunities.”

Employers represented a broad mix of fields, including agriculture, warehousing, retail and medical, according to organizers. Job developers also said the event included positions ranging from entry-level to skilled jobs, including health care roles.

Josh Connor, one of the job developers, encouraged job seekers who feel nervous about approaching employers to take the chance to speak directly with hiring representatives, while also being ready to apply online if required.

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“It’s nerve wracking to be here. There’s a lot of employers, a lot of people, you’re into the competition of getting to their booth and stealing that manager and talking to them, but if you don’t do it, what’s going to happen, you know?” Connor said.

Connor also pointed job seekers to apply for positions ahead of time, then follow up in person with employers at the event.

“I’ve always said you’re never fully dressed unless you have a smile on your face,” Connor said, adding that attendees should plan to stay and explore the full range of employers instead of visiting only a few booths.

Among the employers setting up early was Exact Staff. Sandy, who is an assistant manager with the company, said she arrived “about a quarter to seven” to prepare and that the company was hiring for multiple roles.

“With exact staff, we are trying to hire on for a lot of open positions, which it can be like dental assistant, medical assistant, mechanics, machine operator,” Sandy said.

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Sandy said she has participated in Job Fest events throughout Kern County, including Bakersfield and surrounding areas. She encouraged job seekers to register quickly.

“What I’d say to everyone is register as soon as possible, because you just don’t know,” she said.

She also express why she thinks this festival is so vital for Kern County.

“I think why this is so important, because there is multiple various employers out there,” she said. “This also gets the community back to working, and it’s best for everyone.”

Another local business, Electric Embroidery, said it was looking for applicants who are willing to learn and think creatively. Mike, who spoke on behalf of the company, said the business operates as a full print shop in Bakersfield, producing items such as car wraps and signs for local organizations, school districts and sports teams.

“So we have a kind of a different industry, where not a lot of people off the streets, you know, have experienced what we do,” Mike said. “So we’re looking for those people that are creative minded, looking to think outside the box and take that, that extra step and that chance, you know, on their career.”

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Mike said Electric Embroidery could hire on the spot if the right candidate is found, though applicants should be prepared for an application and interview process.

“You know, the current environment is tough, but I would say, just come out with strong confidence, present yourself well, you know, talk clearly and, and, and really explain what you’re looking for,” Mike said. “You know, interview, the interviewer is what I like to tell people.”

Organizers and employers alike urged attendees to bring multiple copies of their resumes, dress professionally and be ready to speak with hiring teams as soon as doors opened at 9 a.m. at Dignity Health Convention Center.