On Wednesday, May 21, 2008, hiring companies will be in attendance at the Neal Blaisdell Center for Hawaii’s largest job fair, WorkForce.  They’ve put considerable effort into planning their displays, preparing handout materials and scheduling recruiters and hiring managers to be in attendance throughout the day.  Their efforts will make it easy for job seekers to learn about – and apply for – thousands of jobs in a wide range of industries and at virtually every level of business (entry-level to management).  They’ve done their part and now job seekers, if they want to get the most from this opportunity, must come prepared!  Here’s the scoop:

Register for WorkForce

Register for the event and share your information.

Admission

General admission to the event is $3; students (with a valid school ID), seniors 55+ (with a valid ID) and military personnel (with a valid military ID) will be admitted for $1.  Pick up a program at the fair for a floorplan and seminar information.

Anticipate Parking Issues

Because there always are.  Come early, car pool or arrange to be dropped off.  Planning ahead will allow you to arrive calm and fresh – not harried and disheveled. The Job quest job fair will be held at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center.  777 Ward Avenue , Honolulu, Hawaii 96814. Parking is $5 at the Blaisdell Parking lot.

Driving from the Airport/West/Ewa: Take the H-1 Freeway East (towards Waikiki). Victoria Street will continue for 3 blocks and go directly into the Neal Blaisdell parking structure (after crossing King Street). Exit the freeway onto Kinau Street, and stay in the right exit lane – which then becomes the center lane on Kinau Street.Make a right turn at the 2nd stop light onto Victoria Street. Victoria Street will continue for 3 blocks and go directly into the Neal Blaisdell parking structure (after crossing King Street).

Driving from Waikiki/Diamond Head/East Honolulu: Take Ala Moana Boulevard Ewa/West Bound (toward the airport). Turn right onto Ward Avenue, and continue for about 1 mile. You will see the Arena, Exhibition Hall and Concert Hall to your right. Turn right onto King Street (after you have passed the complex). The entrance to the parking structure is on the right at the next stop light.

Take the Bus: The bus makes regular stops in front of the exhibition hall and bus schedules can be found at: http://www.thebus.org/.

Bring Lots of Resumes

And references and any other documentation or information that could help move the hiring process along.  Drivers’ abstract? Dates of your family reunion in June?  Try to anticipate anything you may be asked and come ready to respond.

Dress for Success -- No Rubbah Slippahs

Professional business attire is recommended. The employers at this event are frequently the decision makers when it comes to hiring.  Keep that in mind when planning what kind of impression you want to make.

Have a Game Plan

A list of employers will appear in the Honolulu Advertiser the Sunday before the event and will be posted online and many will have individual ads listing their open positions. Most have websites with more details, including job descriptions, benefits and pre-employment screening info.  Doing a little research beforehand goes a long way toward a more productive day.

Bring a Smile 

And have fun.  This event is about possibility and opportunity.  The atmosphere is designed to be casual and positive so don’t be nervous!  Come see what the future has in store for your career.

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