Making the hiring process more personal

By Casper Wehrhahn Neepawa Banner & Press

An opportunity for both employers and prospective employees is coming to Neepawa. A job fair will be taking place at ArtsForward on Apr. 25 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. This event is being put on in partnership between Neepawa Economic Development, Neepawa & Area Immigrant Settlement Services, Westlake Employment Skills & Services Centre and the Neepawa Chamber of Commerce.

“When I watch the job ads in the Banner & Press every week, I see there is a constant demand from all different sectors for employees,” said Marilyn Crewe, economic development officer. “The job fair allows all of those employers to be in one place and for the employees to meet them all and have a chance to talk to them.”

Don Walmsley, executive director at Settlement Services, added, “It helps make the whole hiring process become more personal. We were really pleased with the response last year, when we held a job fair in the fall, and we’re looking forward to another great one this year.”

According to Crewe, response to the upcoming job fair is also evident of the demand. While there are 20 spots available in total, Economic Development has already had 11 businesses sign up to attend as of Mar. 13. The deadline for businesses to apply is Apr. 17.

“So the demand is definitely there,” Crewe enthused. “It would be really great to fill every table at the job fair, so it would be great for businesses– even if they don’t know what to expect there or have never done a job fair before–to give me a call and I can provide supports for them to be putting their business in the right light at the job fair.”

For Westlake Employment and Neepawa Settlement Services, the fair also provides them with the opportunity to promote their services. Both Westlake Employment and Neepawa Settlement Services have employment officers who help prospective employees write a resume and cover letter and prepare for interviews. In relation to the job fair, these services will aid those attending to find a job in being prepared for the fair.

“Settlement Services also provides workshops covering a variety of topics, such as cultural differences in the workplace,” said Walmsley.

Crewe added, “I’d like to encourage anybody considering a new job to take advantage of the community services provided by Settlement and Westlake and to attend and see the types of jobs that are available locally. It’s open to all people in the community, including students.”

Businesses looking to apply can do so while spots remain by calling 204-476-7607. Those looking to utilize the services of Westlake Employment or Settlement Services can find both on the top floor of the old Co-op building, located at 342 Mountain Ave.