For the City Times

The fall date for the semi-annual Central Wisconsin Job Fair is set for Wednesday, September 21. This free event is open to all jobseekers and will be held in the Gymnasium (E Building) at Mid-State Technical College’s Wisconsin Rapids Campus (500 32nd Street North). 

The job fair is open from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and members of the general public are encouraged to attend. Veterans are invited to arrive at 9:30 a.m. for a special early opening. 

According to Mid-State Career Services Coordinator Joe Pomrening, the Central Wisconsin Job Fair is an excellent opportunity for jobseekers to get to know the organizations looking to hire. “Whether you’re currently unemployed or just looking for better pay and benefits, this job fair gives everyone a chance to make a great first impression on the area’s best employers,” he said.

“Qualified candidates who come prepared and ready to interview may be hired on the spot,” he added. “Dressing the part is key, and it’s important to bring several copies of your current resume.” 

Survey data shows that the most recent Central Wisconsin Job Fair, held in spring, attracted 70 local employers across a variety of industries. Combined, those employers collected over 200 resumes from job seekers at the fair and identified 33 candidates for interview or immediate hire.

A Job Fair Fever workshop is available prior to the event. Job Fair Fever covers applications, resumes, what to wear, how to approach employers, what to say to employers, and how to follow up after the job fair.  Workshops will be held on September 13 from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. and September 16 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the Wisconsin Rapids Job Center (320 W. Grand Ave., #102).  A Job Fair Fever workshop is also being offered from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. on September 14 at Mid-State’s Stevens Point Campus (1001 Centerpoint Drive). To register please contact the Wisconsin Rapids Job Center at 715-422-5000.  Workshop registration is available on a first come, first served basis.

This year, organizers have added even more incentive for jobseekers to attend the job fair and workshops. Names will be drawn for two $50 gift cards at the fair and three $25 gift cards during the Job Fair Fever workshop.

The Central Wisconsin Job Fair is organized by Mid-State and the Wisconsin Rapids Job Center. This year’s event is also sponsored by 103.3 WGLX, Big Cheese 107.9, Gannett Central Wisconsin, HOT 96.7, North Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board, and Y106.5.

For more information, visit www.mstc.edu/pawjobfairs.htm. Additional information, as well as pre-event workshop registration, is also available through the Wisconsin Rapids Job Center at 715-422-5000. Participants in need of special accommodations for a disability or special need are asked to contact the Wisconsin Rapids Job Center in advance.