Big turnout expected at TL job fair

Nearly 40 local employers will be accepting resumes and discussing available positions on Tuesday during the annual Times Leader Fall Career Fair at the 109th Field Artillery Armory on West Market Street in Wilkes-Barre.

This will be the 17th year for the expo, and with regional unemployment at 9.6 percent – the highest in the state – organizers expect a surge in turnout for the free event.

Organizers said they're already closing in on a record number of participating businesses. Lynda Byrnes, the classifieds sales manager for The Times Leader, said, "We're expecting a larger turnout than in previous years."

In addition to companies that will be interviewing on the spot and accepting applications, Byrnes said CareerLink has agreed to participate and offer resume reviews and guidance on crafting resumes that will stand out.

Christine Jensen, the administrator for the local CareerLink office, said opportunities like this are what job seekers should take advantage of.

"It's a great opportunity for them to put themselves in front of close to 40 employers all under one roof," Jensen said. Gary Potter, a recruiting specialist with Pottsville-based Fanelli Brothers Trucking, said the greater Wilkes-Barre area seems to be a fertile recruiting area for licensed truck drivers looking for work. He's been to The Times Leader career fair previously and said this year the company is looking to hire two CDL drivers.

Sallie Mae is seeking to fill approximately 70 positions in its Hanover Township call center, said Patricia Christel, a company spokeswoman.

"When Sallie Mae chose the Wilkes-Barre area for our facility 25 years ago, we were attracted by the community and the Pennsylvania work ethic, and it has not let us down. We enthusiastically participate in this job fair because it strengthens our relationship with the community and enables us to efficiently connect with many potential candidates," Christel added.