Clark Fork Valley Job Fair set for July 29

Employers and job seekers will have an opportunity to connect at a job fair coming up later this morning. Thompson Falls Chamber of Commerce and Job Service Thompson Falls present the Clark Fork Valley Job Fair on Thursday, July 29, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The job fair will be held in the Thompson Falls High School gymnasium.

Bonnie Haun and Ashley Fredrickson with Job Service Thompson Falls reported recently that their office at times this year has listed more than 100 job openings in Sanders County. They agreed that now is a great time to have a job fair. Local businesses including Rimrock Lodge, Knerr Inc., The Sanders County Ledger and Clark Fork Valley Hospital are sponsoring the event.

At the job fair, employers will have tables set up throughout the gym to share information about their businesses and current or potential job openings. Job fair attendees will receive bags with promotional materials from participating businesses. There will also be an interview room set up in the case that an employer would like to interview a potential candidate at the job fair.

As of Tuesday, businesses and organizations registered for the job fair include Blackfoot Communications, Knerr Inc., Rimrock Lodge, Clark Fork Valley Hospital, Thompson River Lumber, Sanders County, The Sanders County Ledger, Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort, Professional Travelers Inc., Veterans Inc. and Sanders County Tobacco Prevention.

Job Service Thompson Falls encourages employers to be prepared when coming to the job fair by having positions posted at montanaworks.gov, preparing questions and deciding whether they will be accepting resumes at the event. They also suggest having a giveaway or competition at booths to attract visitors.

For job seekers, preparation is also key, according to Haun and Fredrickson. They suggest job seekers research the employers who will be attending the job fair, bring copies of their resume, prepare a few talking points and dress for the job they want. Job seekers can reach out to Job Service prior to the event to have their resume reviewed. Call (406) 382-3045 or email [email protected] for more information.

“This is going to be a fun event,” said Annie Wooden with the Thompson Falls Chamber of Commerce. “Local businesses have so many job openings and I’m excited we can provide this service to help connect employers and job seekers.”

Also at the Job Fair, Job Service staff will be reviewing resumes for job seekers and a representative from Veterans Inc. will provide information on resources for veterans. Job seekers and employers will also have an opportunity to win prizes donated by local businesses. Thompson Falls High School students have volunteered to assist employers and will be available to help unload and load materials for employers before and after the event, as well as help with any other needs during the job fair.

Employers can reserve a table for the job fair by contacting Annie Wooden with the Thompson Falls Chamber of Commerce at (406) 544-6017 or email [email protected]. Signing up is free for Chamber members, $20 for non-members. Registration fee includes a table with a linen, two chairs and access to the hospitality room.