‘Great opportunity’: CONTACT hosting 'mega' job fair in Bradford

Jan. 30 event to feature 11 different employers including Magna, Toromont, Spectra and Engineered Air

CONTACT Community Services is set to host a job fair at the Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library on Jan. 30.Supplied photo

Anyone hunting for a new job might want to polish off their resume in time for a “mega” job fair coming to Bradford.

CONTACT Community services is hosting the event in the Zima room at the Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library (425 Holland St. W.) from 2 to 4 p.m. on Jan. 30, which is set to include 11 different employers including Magna, Toromont, Spectra and Engineered Air.

“It’s a great opportunity,” said Tiffany Tyrrell-Shand, job developer with CONTACT, noting a lot of employers are hiring right now. “It’s a great chance for people to come out and just see what’s out there.”

At the event, job seekers have the opportunity to ask questions and get a feel for employers before applying to the one-on-one interview process, which can help head off situations where a position seems attractive based on the description but turns out to something other than expected.

“A lot of the time people think the job fair is for the employers, but it’s actually really for the job seekers,” Tyrrell-Shand said.

That said, she noted some employers may choose to hold more detailed pre-screenings or even interviews on the spot. So she recommends guests come well-dressed, have plenty of resumes and be prepared to have conversations — not only about the jobs, but about themselves and what they can bring to the table.

While guests don’t necessarily need to be in a full suit and tie, Tyrrell-Shand advises them to avoid anything too casual like sweat pants or pyjamas.

“Your first impression is what you have so make a good one,” she said.

Even if job seekers don’t find what they’re looking for at the event, CONTACT Employment Services can always help them continue their search.

In addition to the job fair, the organization is also hosting a small volunteer fair at the same time in the same location. Anyone looking for volunteer experience, including students hoping to find opportunities for volunteer hours, are welcome to stop by and speak with CONTACT’s volunteer coordinator.

Representatives of the County of Simcoe’s Local Immigration Partnership are also scheduled to be on hand, providing information about diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace.

Anyone can attend day of, but guests are encouraged to register ahead of time by sending an email to [email protected] or visiting CONTACT’s website.