Bay County's premier hiring event is back on Saturday, March 8th!
The 38th Annual Bay County Job Fair will feature 35 local employers with hundreds of open jobs ready to hire talent like you. Join us! Scroll down for a list of participating companies and tips for success at the job fair.
DATE: Saturday, March 8
TIME: 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
PRIORITY ENTRANCE: Early entrance from 8:30-9:30 a.m. is reserved for veterans, military spouses and transitioning active-duty service members.
LOCATION: Gulf Coast State College, Student Union East, 5230 West Highway 98, Panama City, Florida
REGISTRATION: Register online in advance at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/98X2W5N for express entry and to receive reminders and a list of participating employers--right to your email inbox. This is a free event and walk-in job seekers are welcome.
PREPARE: Get your resume in tip-top shape and learn strategies for success at the Job Fair! Register for a free resume workshop at CareerSource Gulf Coast on February 12 or February 26. Call us to get the details and reserve your seat: (850) 872-4340.
Need one-on-one assistance with your resume or need copies of your resume? Stop by the CareerSource Gulf Coast Job Center, 625 Hwy231, Panama City, to work with career managers and access computers and printers.
Participating Employers
Advanced Fire Protection Services, Inc
The Arc of the Bay
ASP (America’s Swimming Pool Company)
At Work Panama City
AutoZone
Bay County BOCC
Bay County Sheriff's Office
Bay District Schools
Buffalo Rock
C & C Construction of Northwest Florida LLC
Central Moloney
City of Lynn Haven
City of Panama City
City of Panama City Beach
City of Panama City Beach Police Department
Diaconia
Early Education and Care, Inc.
Eastern Shipbuilding Group
E.F. San Juan
Emerald Coast Behavioral Hospital
Florida Department of Corrections
Florida Department of Health
HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital
Hilton Sun, Inc.
Hilton, Inc.
IAG Aero Group
JENSEN USA Inc.
Merrick Industries
Oceaneering
PanCare of Florida Inc
Peaden LLC
Pineapple Willy's
RAMS RPG
Royal American Management
Royal American Hospitality
RSAE Labs
Snelling Staffing
St. Andrews Bay Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
The St. Joe Company
Wicked Wheel
WJHG-TV
Tips for Success
Tip #1: Review and update your resume
Hiring managers spend an average of six seconds reading your resume. Create a resume targeted to the job you want, showcasing your relevant skills, experience, and accomplishments. Your resume should be 1-2 pages, error free, neatly formatted, and to the point. Bring several copies printed on high-quality paper.
Check out our online resume tutorial on YouTube.
Tip #2: Research participating employers
Plan a job fair strategy by researching the employers participating in the job fair. Visit the organizations' websites and social media sites to review information about their values, mission, services, products, and career opportunities. Determine the skills they are looking for and include those in your resume and introduction. Decide who you want to visit and in what order. Look out for our website and social media updates to see the employer list, as registration is ongoing.
Tip #3: Wear appropriate attire
Distracting clothing or appearance may create a negative first impression. As a general guideline, dress one level above the job for which you intend to apply. Dress for the job you want. Wear comfortable shoes, as you may be walking or standing for extended periods of time. You should be clean and well-groomed with minimal makeup, cologne and jewelry. Clothing should be clean, pressed and fit you well. Avoid athletic gear, jeans, shorts, t-shirts, sneakers, sandals and flip-flops.
Tip #4: Practice your introduction
Be friendly, confident, smile, use direct eye contact, and offer a firm handshake. Communicate what you want and what you have to offer in a 30-second "commercial" advertising your personal brand. Include your areas of expertise, relevant skills, key accomplishments, and how you will be of benefit to the employer. Practice your pitch until it comes natural to you. Learn more about creating your introduction, or elevator pitch.
Tip #5: Ask relevant questions
Ask questions so the recruiter comes away with a memorable and favorable impression of you. Impress them with the research you've done on the company. Ask question to determine if the company will be a good fit for you. Inquire about roles available, the qualities they look for, and the challenges the roles will be expected to face. Find out how you can learn and grow at the organization. Finally, ask how you can follow up on the application and hiring process. Read more about questions to ask at a job fair.
Tip #6: Follow up after the Job Fair
Follow-up is an important step that many job fair attendees neglect. You will have an advantage if you take the time to follow up with employer conversations and leads. Collect business cards from the hiring managers so you know how to contact the organization. Send an email within 24 hours thanking the recruiter for their time, reiterate your interest and what you have to offer. Then ask for a time to meet for an interview or a longer conversation.
Bonus tip: You've got this! Bring a friend
It's natural to be nervous, but keep in mind employers are there because they want and need to hire someone. They are eager to attract job candidates and want to talk to you. Have your outfit, resumes and notepad ready the day before to lessen stress the day of the event. Take a few deep breaths, smile and be friendly. As a confidence booster, ask a friend or family member who is also on a job hunt or interested in networking to join you.
BROUGHT TO YOU BY THESE PARTNERS:
Thank you to iHeartMedia, the promotional sponsor of this event!
This event is brought to the community by a partnership among CareerSource Gulf Coast, Gulf Coast State College, Haney Technical College, Bay County Chamber of Commerce, Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce, Naval Support Activity Panama City - Fleet &Family Support, and Tyndall Air Force Base - Military & Family Readiness.
