In just three weeks, Turlock’s Stanislaus County Fairgrounds will play host to one of the largest job fairs in the region, sponsored by U.S. Rep. Jeff Denham (R-Turlock) and coordinated by the Stanislaus Economic Development and Workforce Alliance.

“Looking for work is a difficult and often frustrating experience,” Denham said. “We want to help make the process easier by hosting these events to provide an opportunity for job seekers to meet face-to-face with employers looking for new hires in the Valley.”

Already, more than 21 employers are registered for the Central Valley Job Fair, scheduled from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 22. Those employers range from Hilmar Cheese to Data-Path Inc., G3 Enterprises, and Golden Valley Health Centers.

And every employer attending the job fair will have positions they are looking to fill, according to Teri Adams-Jones, marketing manager for the Stanislaus Economic Development and Workforce Alliance.

“Job seekers should come prepared to speak to employers face-to-face and be dressed for success,” Adams-Jones said.

Jobseekers are also advised to bring several copies of their resumes.

Those needing  a few tips on resume polishing can attend a free clinic from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 14 at Brandman University, 5222 Pirrone Ct., Salida, also sponsored by Denham.

The Career Seminar will discuss interview skills, resume writing, and online job search strategies incorporating social media. Employers are invited to the seminar too, for a free lunch and presentation on the benefits of hiring veterans.

Denham, an Air Force veteran, said the job fair will also coordinate with U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s “Hiring Our Heroes” program and Google’s “NetVets” program to provide job search resources to veterans.

“My top priority is to ensure that Valley residents and veterans have the employment opportunities they need,” Denham said.

The job fair is just part of the Alliance’s StanTogether campaign. The initiative has looked to create 1,000 new jobs in Stanislaus County in a six-month period, ending July 31.

Final tallies of jobs created have yet to be released, but as of March StanTogether had resulted in 52 hirings, and 150 more positions waiting to be filled.

“With double digit unemployment we want to continue to StanTogether and put people back to work,” Adams-Jones said.

For more information, visit stantogether.com or denham.house.gov/jobs. Employers interested in participating should contact the Alliance at www.stanalliance.com. Jobseekers may RSVP online for either the fair or the seminar at denham.house.gov/seminar-job-seekers.