Job Fair in Baldwin Park Attracts Hundreds

Inside, organizations ranging from the California Highway Patrol to companies like Courtyard by Marriot, Vons and Food for Less were handing out applications to the job seekers.

Overflow parking on grass in the nearby park was necessary to handle the number of arrivals.

The unemployment rate in Baldwin Park is 14.8 percent and the job fair featured numerous hourly positions available including transportation to customer service. In Los Angeles County, the unemployment rate is 11.9 percent.

There were seminars on completing resumes and handling job interviews. Free personal services included haircuts, manicures, and pedicures.

Representatives of the East San Gabriel Valley Adult Career Training were available. The center offers free courses for people who are unemployed. Flyers were available for a number of positions including video production, graphic arts/silk screening, and business management and marketing.

The center is located at 1501 W. Del Norte Street, West Covina or by phone at 626-472-5160. It's accredited through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

The mission statement states that it "provides all students with the highest quality academic and technical skills necessary to be well-educated citizens, responsible, productive employers and employees, and to be successful in obtaining high wage, high demand, continuous employment."

Temporary agencies on hand included Kelly Services in West Covina. A temporary position may offer flexibility for current income while looking for desired full-time positions.

Here's another resource for job seekers in the San Gabriel Valley and in California. Log on to the state's Economic Development Department (EDD) at caljobs.ca.gov.

In the middle of the page is a button for "job seekers" to post resumes. First, hit the register button. The next screen will ask for your social security number and date of birth. There are also links to the right of the page for job fairs and to the left of the page for job training for individuals and businesses.

One of the job tips offered is doing research on a prospective employer before requesting an interview. Research can be done online or through casual contact in the store setting or through friends and acquaintances who have worked in that company or a similar company.

Make a list of the types of companies, the city, and a contact if possible. See yourself talking to that person and letting them know how your qualifications can benefit their company.