Last Goodwill Manatee Fair drew 350 with 50 getting jobs

MANATEE -- A total of 350 job seekers came to last year's first-ever Goodwill Manasota Job Fair, and 50 to 70 found jobs from it, said Kathy Goeller, a Goodwill spokeswoman.

Goeller is hoping a similar success rate is duplicated at the second annual Goodwill Manasota Job Fair, which is 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday at Goodwill Manasota's Corporate Campus, 2705 51st Ave. E., Bradenton.

The event coincides with Goodwill Week.

"This year we have signed up 42 employers," Goeller said Monday. "We have manufacturing, hospitality, construction, restaurants and governments."

Representatives from Manatee and Sarasota county governments and Bradenton and Sarasota city governments will be looking for employees, as well as the sheriff's offices from both counties and officials with Bob Evans and Jason's Deli, Goeller said.

As with last year's event, job seekers will come into the corporate center and be ushered into an open exhibitor area, where they will be free to mingle with the industry representatives before exiting through the Goodwill courtyard.

Goeller offers some tips that worked for job seekers last year.

"Bring a resume and dress for success," Goeller said. "Smile and make eye contact.

"We are also inviting high

school seniors to attend and to meet with employers for future career opportunities," Goeller added.

Goodwill is also hosting a free program for employers on Workman's Compensation from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday at 2705 51st Ave. E., Bradenton.

"At the Workman's Compensation event, we will explore with employers how premiums are calculated and how they can be lowered," Goeller said. "It's a free event and lunch will be provided."

Information: 941-355-2721.

Richard Dymond, Herald reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7072 or contact him via Twitter@RichardDymond.

This story was originally published May 2, 2016 at 10:55 PM with the headline "Last Goodwill Manatee Fair drew 350 with 50 getting jobs ."