More than 3,500 community members attended a career fair at the Reno‑Sparks Convention Center on Thursday, providing a bustling hub for local employers and job seekers to connect directly.
Employers stress the benefits of in‑person hiring
Jessica Maldonado, HR Director for North American Specialty Lamination, said the event gave candidates a clear view of the career paths available across manufacturing and retail. “It’s just a great opportunity for them to make a decision of what career path they want in the different companies,” she explained.
Other employers echoed that sentiment. Becky Pickerill, HR Manager for Lawson Drayage, noted the fair allowed her team to observe how candidates interact with staff and customers, helping both sides determine if the fit is right.
Job seekers value personal interaction
Attendees reported that meeting recruiters face‑to‑face made a noticeable difference. Joshua Pinnow, a fair participant, said, “It’s a lot easier to get to know somebody in person. You can see how they react, the small inflections in their voice. It can make a big difference.”
Many employers said the fair helped them reach motivated candidates quickly, especially in a competitive market. Maldonado added, “I’m very surprised at just how many candidates we’re getting here. Without these job fairs, it’s hard to get candidates, and the market is really good and very competitive.”
Training and long‑term fit emphasized
Several companies highlighted their willingness to provide on‑the‑job training for newcomers, focusing on hiring individuals eager to learn and grow. The consensus among employers was that career fairs reduce the risk of mismatched hires by allowing both parties to assess fit before a formal offer.
Overall, the event demonstrated the strength of the local labor market and the importance of personal connections in a digital hiring landscape.
Original reporting: 2news.com — read the source article.
