Central Valley residents looking for jobs need not look far as HIREvent will be hosting a job fair in Modesto in March with a host of employers and opportunities available including full-time, part-time, and seasonable positions.

“For job seekers, when they go to a job fair, this is their opportunity for them to meet employers face to face to talk about their skills and what kind of job matches there are, “said HIREvents recruitment advertising director Karen Dawal. “Job seekers often don’t realize that an event like this is an opportunity to have multiple mini-interviews where they can talk with recruiters and department heads that are actually hiring.”

The job fair affords employers the opportunity to pre-screen and interview candidates in a neutral environment. With a recent event in Stockton that drew more than 1,100 job seekers for the same number of positions, the job fair has proved an ideal way for both employers and job seekers to gauge their mutual interest in a particular candidate or position.

“Job seekers just need to remember this is their opportunity to make a good first impression,” said Dawal of the free event. “They are not going to be one of hundreds of resumes that are emailed; this is your chance to get the employer to remember you.”

Predominantly local companies will be at the event and federal and state agencies often have local satellite offices that are hiring as well. With employers at previous events including businesses from a range of sectors such as the retail and restaurant industries, school districts and seasonal destination businesses, the opportunities are as diverse as the positions themselves.

“There are a lot of great different opportunities,” said Dawal. “As a company we have done job fairs since 1992.”

The company puts on 24 events a year from the Central Valley to the Bay Area and Sacramento.

 The only requirement for businesses? They must have positions to be filled.

Job seekers can also take advantage of free resume critiquing services by local professionals at the event.

The Modesto HIREvent will take place from noon  to 4 p.m. March 10 at the Clarion Inn Conference Center located at 1612 Sisk Rd., in Modesto. Attendees should dress professionally and bring an updated resume with them. There is still time for employers to participate in the fair. For more information, call 800-655-5627 ext. 308 or visit hirevents.com.