Over 20 employers gathered at Southridge Mall in Des Moines for the St. Vincent De Paul Career Fair, offering job opportunities to more than 300 attendees
DES MOINES, Iowa — Dozens of Iowans gathered Thursday at Southridge Mall for a chance to meet face-to-face with potential employers at the St. Vincent de Paul Career Fair.
More than 20 companies, including McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, Jersey Mike’s, and the U.S. Postal Service, were on hand, hoping to hire from a pool of more than 300 job seekers.
"That tells you how big of a need we have in the Des Moines area," said Michele Brown, an employment specialist with St. Vincent de Paul Des Moines.
The event also featured representatives from the Des Moines Fire Department and the Des Moines Public School District, among others. Brown said many attendees are eager to get back to work before the holidays.
"They’re excited. They’re anxious. Most of the people are saying, 'I need a job yesterday,'" Brown said. "That’s why the timing of this is so important."
The fair also welcomed individuals reentering society after incarceration. St. Vincent de Paul offers additional support through a six-day "back to work" class, which focuses on resume building, interview practice and communication skills.
The organization also partners with Iowa Works to provide employment resources, including on-site resume assistance.
"That’s the purpose of why we exist," said Kenny Lentz, a career planner with Iowa Works.
St. Vincent de Paul plans to host its next career fair in February, with a focus on construction jobs as winter weather begins to ease.
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