Video: Job Fair in Union County Connects Employers with Job Seekers

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NEW ALBANY, Miss. (WCBI) -Although Mississippi, like other states, is rebounding from the recession, thousands of people still are looking for jobs, especially during the holidays.
Today, the Union County Development Association brought together employers and prospective employees in a job fair. WCBI’s Allie Martin has more.

As a single mom, with a four month old daughter, Grace Mathis wants to do more than just make ends meet.

“I am working at the Huddle House, but they don’t have any insurance or benefits so I’m really looking for somewhere where I can get some benefits and insurance.”

That’s what brought Grace to this job fair at Hillcrest Baptist Church.It’s sponsored by the Union County Development Association and the Governor’s Job Fair Network.

Twenty two employers were on hand looking for workers.

“We have gotten good candidates looking for jobs and we’re glad to be here.”

And they give some insight into some of the new kinds of skills job seekers need.

“We are looking for people with customer service experience, advanced computer skills, technical skills and a great communication.”

Not all of the employers were local. The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office in Louisiana is looking for 500 deputies and civilians to staff its new state of the art jail. They will even pay for new hires to relocate.

“Everybody seems pretty interested. The relocation fee is definitely popular here. We’re willing to relocate and have them on board.”

By lunchtime, nearly three hundred people had come to this job fair. This is the largest job fair UCDA has hosted. Organizers say they will track workers to see their progress and help them in the future.

“Through the Governor’s Job Fair Network, we have an application form, it’s very short, but it includes enough personal data that we will be able to track every person who comes through here who actually gets a job.”

Tupelo resident Connor Williams says this job fair was a great opportunity to get in front of a lot of quality companies and employers.

“Something will eventually come, you just have to never give up, keep trying and have the faith that something will come through and God will lead you on the way.”

In New Albany I’m Allie Martin, WCBI News.

According to the latest figures, Mississippi’s September unemployment rate was 7.7%  with almost 92,000 people unemployed.

The unemployment rate for Mississippi is at 7.7%.