BPL all business prepping for Job Fair

For one day, at least, the administrators of the Baldwin Public Library will eschew their moratorium on chatter. The occasion? The 2011 Job Fair, an annual event at which networking, small talk and the rapid-fire delivery of an elevator speech will not only escape shushing, but will actually be encouraged.

One of the most eagerly anticipated events on the library calendar, this year’s job fair promises to equal, if not exceed, the extremely successful event held in 2010. “Right now we have 14 companies signed on,” said Angie Schenker, who is organizing the Sept. 15 fair. “We expect that to at least double by the big day. Last year’s fair had 35 companies represented and was attended by about 500 people. We think we’re looking at even larger numbers this year.”

The fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the community room of the library, at 2385 Grand Ave., and is intended for a broad range of job seekers. “Whether you’re an older teen looking for an entry-level position or a more experienced professional,” Schenker said, “this is your chance to meet with company representatives to discuss employment opportunities.”

She went on to suggest that attendees dress “as if they were going to a job interview” and that they bring several copies of their updated resume. “One year we had someone show up with a handwritten resume,” she recalled. “I remember thinking, wow, I don’t even think I did that in high school.”

So far confirmed for the Job Fair, which is co-sponsored by the New York State Department of Labor, are companies including Cablevision, Century 21, Homecare Therapy, the New York City Fire Department, New York Community Bank and several temporary employment firms. Schenker said that at last year’s event, both job seekers and employers were pleased, and she added that many patrons have been taking advantage of the library’s career services offerings in anticipation of the day.

“We always offer one-on-one career counseling, and we had a resume workshop last week,” Schenker said. “Both of those services were extremely popular. We also offer a ton of books for job seekers, and we always have resources online for people who are seeking employment.”

For more information about the job fair or to get your own employment profile in order, call the BPL at (516) 223-6228 or consult its website, www.baldwinpl.org.

Comments about this story? CConnolly@LIHerald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 283.