West-Central and Northwest Minnesota Job Seekers Can Attend Job Fair Events in April and May

Northwest Minnesota residents can attend regional job fairs hosted by the Rural Minnesota Concentrated Employment Program (RMCEP) during April and May. These career fairs are free for anyone looking for a job or considering changing careers.

“One of the nice things about job fairs is you can ask questions of company representatives that you might not want to ask in an interview,” says Nichole Norgren, Team Leader at RMCEP Fergus Falls. “You can get to know an employer before you apply to them. These conversations also give you face-to-face interactions with companies.”  

Norgren says many employers send their HR teams to these events. Attendees can make positive in-person impressions and share their resumes directly with hiring teams. Some people have even been interviewed on the spot.

If you’re recently unemployed and want to learn more about local employers, make your calendar for the nearest Job Fair near you. 

There are Several Upcoming Job Fairs Events Starting in April

Both job seekers and employers have had positive experiences with job fairs in recent years. Employers can speak directly with potential candidates while job seekers develop personal connections with business owners and hiring managers. The size of a Job Fair varies by community. Larger cities like Moorhead have had nearly 70 employers participate in recent years, while smaller towns have had 30 companies attend. Here’s the upcoming schedule of job fair events:

• Detroit Lakes – April 3rd
• Wadena – April 24th
• Brainerd – May 7th
• Fergus Falls – May 7th
• Moorhead – May 14th
• Bemidji – May 15th
• Little Falls – May 15th

Minnesota residents with disabilities can also attend an inclusive virtual career fair on April 25. This event allows for virtual networking, one-on-one interviews, and resume reviews to help people find jobs.

Norgren says job seekers shouldn’t underestimate the value of a good first impression. One year, an employer reached out to RMCEP because they had a great conversation with an attendee but forgot to get their contact information. RMCEP was able to find the person the company representative talked to and connect the two for a potential interview.

“Experience and knowledge is a lot, but it’s also who you know,” says Norgren. “A single conversation at a job fair can make an impact.”

Instead of hoping that your resume stands out in a pile of hundreds, you can speak directly to people looking for qualified candidates at RMCEP’s career fairs. 

RMCEP Makes First-Time Attendees Feel Welcome

It’s natural to feel nervous if you have never been to a job fair, but the staff at RMCEP does its best to make a fun and inviting environment where you can get to know the companies in the region. The Fergus Falls team even names the event JobFest because it wants to create a festive atmosphere with food vendors, raffles, and swag given away by companies. It’s a professional networking party in the park.

“It can be very intimidating to see all the employers when you first arrive,” says Norgren. “But the nice thing about job fairs is that you can just walk up and talk to them.” She adds that you’re not an employee yet and you’re not in a job interview. Instead, you are having a casual conversation about work and potential job opportunities.  

When job seekers arrive, someone from RMCEP will hand them a welcome folder and introduce them to potential employers they are interested in. The goal is to learn about each job seeker and what interests them.

Norgren shares a story of an attendee who wasn’t sure what she wanted to do but mentioned that she always wanted to be an EMT. The job seeker was able to talk to local healthcare teams and learn about EMT qualifications and education needs. While some people will walk away with job leads at this event, others might use the job fair to explore potential career paths. 

Businesses Can Still Sign Up to Attend Local Job Fairs

Most RMCEP locations are still registering businesses to attend their nearest job fair. Costs vary by location, and companies are encouraged to bring materials that showcase the type of work done at the company. Many businesses also bring swag to give away, ranging from pens to stress balls.

Businesses that register for these career fairs have the option to contribute prizes to a raffle for job seekers. If your business contributes to the raffle, you will be entered into a drawing to receive a free booth for next year.

Employers benefit from speaking directly with job seekers and clarifying what they want from employees. They can also connect with other businesses and build lasting connections through in-person networking.

“What have you got to lose?” asks Norgren. “If anything, you walk away with more people in your back pocket to work with in the future and greater knowledge of what industries are in your area.”

Follow RMCEP for Job Fair Updates

RMCEP hosts job fairs in the spring to help people find new jobs and start their careers. The organization also has events and resources throughout the year to help anyone who needs help with work. If you can’t attend your nearest job fair, consider visiting your nearest RMCEP location in person. You might be surprised how we can help you kick off your career.

Keep up with RMCEP and follow us on social media for updates, opportunities, and events near you.