Guest blog post by Jennifer Hernandez, Program Services & Marketing Analyst with work2future.

Work2future is the regional workforce development arm of the City of San José’s Office of Economic Development and Cultural Affairs, providing workforce development services to businesses and job seekers in San José and South Santa Clara County.

On April 25, work2future partnered with San José City College, and Manufacture: San Jose to host the Spring Career Fair, which was a resounding success with more than 350 job seekers and 60 employers in attendance. The event created an opportunity for the community to network with potential employers and discover new career paths in various industries.

The fair boasted a diverse array of employers from local businesses to multinational corporations. Key employers included Chase, Intermolecular, Kaiser Permanente, Olympus, as well as San José Police and Fire departments. There was an opportunity for everyone regardless of education status or experience level. Attendees had the chance to meet with hiring managers and recruiters from a range of industries, including manufacturing, government, finance, and so much more.

The fair offered more than just networking opportunities. Attendees were provided with valuable resources, including professional clothing, free food, free parking, and language interpreters. By removing potential barriers to attendance and providing extra support, this career fair ensured that all job seekers had a fair shot at finding the right job opportunities.

One of the most exciting things about the Spring Career Fair was the enthusiasm and energy of the attendees. Everyone was eager to make connections and explore new career opportunities, arriving early and dressed for success. There was a real sense of excitement in the air. One jobseeker was quoted saying “This was such a nice experience. I hope that something good develops from my attendance.”

These events are one of work2future’s greatest resources. In addition to the networking and information sharing benefits, job fairs also create a sense of community and shared purpose. These events provide a unique opportunity for job seekers to connect with potential employers face-to-face, for a more meaningful connection. Meanwhile, employers can use job fairs to promote their brand and connect with a diverse pool of candidates. Attending a job fair can help both job seekers and employers to make meaningful strides towards their career or hiring goals.

“This was just the latest in an ongoing series of job fair collaborations with our friends at San José City College” said Lawrence Thoo, work2future strategic engagement manager. “For both of us, it's truly gratifying to be able to offer such a high-energy setting to both job seeker and employer to find one another.”

Overall, the Spring Career Fair was an excellent event that provided valuable resources and opportunities for job seekers in San José. If you missed this event, be sure to follow work2future on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date with the latest events and programs. You won't want to miss out on the next opportunity to connect with employers and explore new career possibilities!