Looking for Work

Thousands of job offers, career advice

Mega career fair returns

Thousands of jobs across the country, career advice and information about future job trends are yours for the taking at the 14th Edition of The National Job Fair & Training Expo.

LINDA WHITE -- Special to Sun Media

Send to a friend

Do you know your strengths, weaknesses and best job fits?
To find out, take this test by eCareerFit, the career assessment experts.

The country's largest recruitment event will feature 172 exhibitors -- the largest showing in its history, reports show organizer and president Daniel Levesque.

"There's much doom and gloom about the economy, but as our numbers show, there is still much opportunity for qualified candidates," he says. Last fall's event drew a record 170 exhibitors.

The event is organized into four pavilions: Employment, Training & Education, Career Services and Entrepreneurship.

The Employment Pavilion, the largest at the fair, includes the Ontario, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and Saskatchewan Recruitment Zones. It also features the Relocation and Retail Recruitment Zones.

Companies like VIA Rail Canada and Sun Life Financial are among those looking for qualified candidates. The governments of Saskatchewan and Prince Edward Island are among those that will be leading strong contingents.

In a recent count, nearly 5,800 private- and public-sector jobs were posted on the website Saskjobs.com, many of which will be up for grabs at the event. Companies in Prince Edward Island are also struggling to fill jobs and recruiters expect to make on-the-spot job offers.

Job seekers eager to upgrade their skills or launch a new career should visit the Training & Education Pavilion. Exhibitors like Robar Training, Medix School and Certified Management Accountants of Ontario will provide information about training that could open the door to new opportunities within months or even weeks.

Learn effective job-search strategies at the Career Services Pavilion. Exhibitors include the Toronto Public Library, which offers a huge variety of free resources and services to anyone looking for a job or planning a career change.

Toastmasters International, meanwhile, is dedicated to giving job seekers a competitive edge when applying for jobs or building their careers by helping them develop their communication skills and confidence.

Finally, the BizLaunch Entrepreneurship Pavilion welcomes entrepreneurship experts from organizations that can help you achieve your dreams of being your own boss.

The National Job Fair & Training Expo began in 2002 with 34 exhibitors and continues to grow. A record number of exhibitors are returning to the event -- which is testament to the quality candidates it attracts, says Levesque.

Get the most out of your visit by researching the list of exhibitors and checking out helpful tips at www.thenationaljobfair.com, including information about three common types of on-site interviews -- screening, mini and full -- and questions to ask recruiters.