Scripps Ranch resident Keon Siavoshani came to the Poway Library’s May 19 Job Fair in search of a business-related job.
After studying international business, Siavoshani said he was willing to take a job related to marketing, defense or administration. He landed at the right place because he said compared to another job fair he attended, the library’s fair had a diverse mix of job opportunities through reputable businesses.
“The representatives seemed committed to helping you out,” he said after visiting some of the booths. “It’s better than sending applications through the internet. This is a more personal experience and it gives you confidence.”
Meeting with the staff of different businesses gave applicants an advantage, because the online job applications are often filtered by artificial intelligence systems, he added.
“I’ll seize any opportunity I can get,” Siavoshani said.
Julie Gallant
Scripps Ranch resident Keon Siavoshani was one of many hopeful applicants at the Poway Library’s Job Fair. (Julie Gallant)
Kristi Zimsky, a learning manager for the San Diego Workforce Partnership who was in attendance, agreed with Siavoshani’s assessment.
She said companies are using AI to filter resumes which leads to having “robots talking to robots.” Applicants are using ChatGPT to write resumes while companies are screening resumes with an Applicant Tracking System, she said.
Additionally job seekers are facing a stagnant labor market in part due to economic uncertainties. Employers are hesitant to hire and employees are reluctant to change jobs, she said, adding that younger workers are critiqued for lack of job experience and older workers are called overqualified.
“I’ve taught resume and job interview skills to get people to be resume and interview ready so they can be successful at today’s career fair and hopefully get hired,” Zimsky said. “Connecting with a real person is critical. This is a life-changing event.”
Attendee Viviane Cheney of San Marcos was optimistic the Poway Library’s Job Fair would bring her opportunities as she searched for employment as a financial analyst.
“The Job Fair looks good and there are a lot of people here,” Cheney said. “I will find a position I’m looking for today.”
Julie Gallant
Sara Hernandez, left, represented Educational Enrichment Systems which was hiring support teachers for its preschools in Vista, Chula Vista, National City and Linda Vista. (Julie Gallant)
Julie Gallant
Senior Recruiter Alex Truong was searching for security officers for Inter-Con Security. (Julie Gallant)
Julie Gallant
Hoist Fitness representatives who were hiring for the fitness equipment manufacturing company in Poway are, from left, Hannah Jones, Angelo Avila and Stephanie Wilcox. (Julie Gallant)
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Julie Gallant
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Sara Hernandez, left, represented Educational Enrichment Systems which was hiring support teachers for its preschools in Vista, Chula Vista, National City and Linda Vista. (Julie Gallant)
On the employer side, 40 exhibitors were scheduled to participate in the Poway Library Job Fair.
Among them was Creating a Legacy, Inc., a nonprofit that helps adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Located throughout California, Creating a Legacy has local homes for “consumers” in Escondido, Oceanside and a new location in San Marcos. Positions were open for a direct support professional, lead staff and an administrator.
Inter-con Security was hiring security officers to service locales such as Chase Banks, county buildings and for the MTS trolley system.
CoreCivic, a residential facility for previously incarcerated people, had a variety of positions open to help clients transition back into society. CoreCivic was searching for security monitors, cooks, a social services coordinator and an administration clerk. Later this summer the business also expects to hire a treatment counselor.
Educational Enrichment Systems was looking for entry-level support teachers for its preschools in Vista, Chula Vista, National City and Linda Vista.
Hoist Fitness, a fitness equipment manufacturer located in Poway, had job openings for warehouse and office positions, shipping and receiving, assembly, quality control, a drafter, a mechanical engineer, and an inside sales rep.
Urban Corps of San Diego County was at the Job Fair to look for Corps members ages 18 to 26 years old and supervisors. Positions were available in the areas of construction, environmental and recycling.