Turning The Tables: A Reverse Job Fair
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 27, 2023
Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce
Event contact: Andrea Cole
acole@saratoga.org
(518) 584-3255
AIM Services
Bo Goliber
BOGoliber@aimservicesinc.org
(518) 879-9241
Event contact: Andrea Cole
acole@saratoga.org
(518) 584-3255
AIM Services
Bo Goliber
BOGoliber@aimservicesinc.org
(518) 879-9241
Turning The Tables: A Reverse Job Fair
Organizers flip the format of a traditional job fair
Organizers flip the format of a traditional job fair
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce and AIM Services present Turning The Tables: A Reverse Job Fair, a unique opportunity for area employers to build their workforce by connecting with various organizations and the people they support who are actively seeking employment.
The job fair will be held from noon to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, May 2 at Embassy Suites by Hilton, located at 86 Congress St. in Saratoga Springs.
Employers looking to hire will visit table-to-table and talk with job candidates to learn more about their skills. Supporting organizations will be there as well to utilize as references.This annual springtime event provides employers with access to multiple ready-to-hire employees all in one location, especially those trying to fill summer job openings with viable candidates.
“The idea behind the reverse job fair actually originated from a request by Tara Pleat, of Wilcenski & Pleat, as she noted the Chamber’s work for Veterans and hoped we could also find a way to help differently abled adults in our community looking for job opportunities,” said Todd Shimkus, president of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. “This is our fourth reverse job fair now and each one has proven to be of benefit to those adults who are looking for jobs and the employers who walk in to meet and chat with them. With an historic labor shortage impacting employers across Saratoga County, this is one of the ways we are trying to help match job seekers with employers to fill as many jobs as possible.”
Organizations participating in the 2023 reverse job fair include AIM Services, Saratoga Bridges, Schenectady ARC, Living Resources, ARC of Rensselaer County and Community, Work & Independence.
“Our hope for the Reverse Job Fair is to create an environment in which people supported in Employment Services programs at AIM and other provider agencies have an opportunity to be interviewed by local employers in this unique way,” said Bo Goliber, chief development and communications officer at AIM Services. “It gives the ready-to-hire candidates a chance to experience the interview process with prospective employers, while also giving the businesses a one-stop-shop to meet a host of enthusiastic potential employees and job coaches.”
At last year’s reverse job fair, local employer Embassy Suites by Hilton hired Alex Morrell on the spot, and he’s been working as part of the hotel restaurant staff ever since. Morell, who was at the event with AIM Services, interviewed with hotel general manager Daniel Fortier.
As Morrell celebrates his one-year work anniversary, “He has fit in well as part of our family and is liked by all of us. He is a good guy,” Fortier said, noting that Morrell even helps train new employees now.
Fortier is hopeful that Embassy Suites will be able to hire additional breakfast servers at the upcoming reverse job fair.
More information about Turning The Tables: A Reverse Job Fair is available online at saratoga.org/events.
About the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce: Since 1918, the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce has been opening doors and closing deals for businesses throughout the Saratoga County community. Guided by a strong and sustainable vision, the Chamber leads the way in maintaining and strengthening a healthy business climate, initiating constructive community action, and creating a community where all can thrive.
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