There were 400 jobs available from 11 companies and the companies are eager to hire. That was good news for the people who attended the job fair.
"It's really hard finding a full-time job and most of their positions are full time which is great. So already it's been one of the best ones I've gone to," said Oakland resident Mona Henson.
And company representatives say they like these HIREvents too.
"Thirty percent of our last two classes came from these so absolutely having success. They're still doing well," said Chris Pimentel from Sleep Train.
Another employer is the Academy Of Art University. They are not looking for art students, they are filling 50 staff positions.
"I never thought of working here as a career for the Academy Of Art University, so it is exciting to get those resumes in and a good diversity of candidates interested in the university," said Kaycee Patroni from the Academy of Art University.
Lawrence Berkeley Labs needs 190 support staff for scientists and engineers.
"There are so many talented people and my goal is just to find some of those talented people work," said Bill Singh from Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory.
And it has been a tough market for those young and older workers. College grads find themselves next to seasoned professionals with lots of experience and both are equally anxious to work.
"There's a lot of good people still looking for work. It's no reflection on them, it's just been a tough market," said Kathy Caricato from the California Job Journal.
Recruiters are inundated with applicants, so getting a critique of your resume and making changes is a way you can pop out in the field.
"It's basically like an elevator pitch of 'This is what I do. This is why you want to hire me. This is how I can add value,'" said Linda Hamilton of Hamilton Writing Services.
Unemployment is 10.5 percent in the Oakland area. Hopefully this job fair will help put a dent in that number.
Next Free Job Fair
HIREvents sponsored by ABC7 and the Job Journal
Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2011
Noon -- 4 p.m.
Centre Concord
5298 Clayton Road
Concord, CA
1-888-THE-JOBS
