FSCJ hosting job fair today

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Anyone looking for a job is in for some good news Thursday because the Florida State College of Jacksonville is hosting a career fair.

The college is offering up its space and resources to companies who are hiring.

The career fair will take place at the North Campus of FSCJ on Capper Road, just off I-295 and South of Dunn Avenue.

The job fair started Wednesday at FSCJ's Downtown campus. Thursday's event on the North campus is free and open to the public, not just students.

There will be lots of good resumes, handshakes and even better conversations as local employers and employees seek each other out.  

Andrew Cook has been out of a job and looking for work since February..

"Right now really anything that I can support my family with," Cook said. "Because I've got enough to pay one more rent and that's it."

Cook recognizes how advantageous going to a job fair can be, with most companies requiring an online application process these days.

He heard about the job fair at FSCJ and planned to be there.

"Because you could speak to the employers face to face and talk to them to find out exactly what they're looking for," Cook said. "And if you need to do anything for one of these jobs, I'll need to go and upgrade my license."

Transportation and logistics company Suddath was one of 20 different employers at the Downtown campus Wednesday.

On Thursday more than 30 companies are signed up to be at the North campus job fair.

"There's a lot of folks that may not have a good resume and can't sell themselves on a piece of paper," Michelle Becht with Suddath's Human Resources Department said. "We might need them face to face and they can tell their story better. So that's a great resource and why to come down and participate in the job fairs."

As a college, the school's priority is placing students in jobs following graduation. But anyone looking for work is invited.

"Students have to go out and look for jobs," career development center interim coordinator Alan Pasetti said. "Career fair is a wonderful opportunity for students to go out, meet employers and introduce themselves. Bring their resume and show what skills they have to offer."

Thursday's career fair is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

400 job seekers went to the career fair Wednesday. Thursday there will be 30 different companies so even if someone went Wednesday, it may be worth the trip to North campus Thursday.