Scene from a typical American workplace: Racist robot serves margaritas for Cinco de Mayo. Photo by Flickr user Steve Jurvetson (Creative Commons license).

From the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services:

The Humboldt County Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) Employment Training Division invites job hunters to the 2016 Redwood Coast Career Fair. DHHS, along with its Job Market partners and the North Coast Employer Advisory Council, is hosting the event on Friday, May 20, at the Sequoia Conference Center in Eureka. The Career Fair runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Attendees will have the opportunity to talk to vocational counselors, receive resume critiques, chat with local employers and apply for current job openings. A DHHS Mobile Outreach vehicle will also be on site with computer stations for attendees to fill out applications and create resumes.

With Humboldt County’s unemployment rate at a seven-year low of 5.3 percent, local employers are eager to hire. “Businesses are really digging deep to find employment-ready people,” said Employment Training Division Manager Connie Lorenzo. “This is a very good opportunity for them to meet in person. It’s a benefit to both parties.”

Last year’s Career Fair brought in 425 attendees and 60 employers. This year it’s expected to be even larger. St. Joseph Health, Humboldt County Office of Education, California Highway Patrol and the United Indian Health Services are just a few of the organizations attending.

Interested job applicants can get a jump on the competition before the May 20 event. Beginning May 4, the Job Market will host six Career Fair Prep Academy sessions at its 409 K St. Eureka facility. Attendees will get advice on topics such as what employers are looking for, how to stand out, resume tips and advice and how to prepare a 90-second elevator pitch. Completing the academy allows participants to get into the career fair an hour before doors are opened to the general public.

Sequoia Conference Center is located at 901 Myrtle Ave. in Eureka. For more information about the Redwood Coast Career Fair and Career Fair Prep Academy dates and times, call the Job Market at 707-441-5627 or visit thejobmarket.org.