‘SWFL Virtual Job Fair’ offers opportunity at a social distance

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Credit: WINK News.

Millions of people are out of work, so some local organizations got creative to help people find jobs with a virtual career fair. But is meeting your next boss online the best way to snag your dream job? The Southwest Florida nonprofit that organized the event believes its works and will continue even after social distancing restrictions no longer apply.

Nonprofit Better Together hosted a “Virtual SWFL Job Fair” Thursday and says 500 people signed up for an opportunity to speak with employers offering job opportunities.

“It’s exciting and a new opportunity to be able to provide our community with employment to empower individuals through work,” said Christy Sanchez, the program coordinator of Better Together.

Rather than being in a large convention center, many people in Southwest Florida who are looking for jobs were be able to talk with employers through video chat. Attendees needed to downloaded the Zoom app before it began, so they could connect with employers. And each employer was given an hour window. All attendees had to do was click one of the company’s names to start interacting.

Attendee Sean Skove is among the millions of Americans out of work because of the pandemic. For about two months, he’s tried to find a new job. But finding one has been tough.

“As of right now, everyone is looking for work or desperately trying to keep their work,” Skove said.

Better Together recognized the need of those unemployed in the region, while also being cognizant of the continued need to follow social distancing guidelines. So it turned their job fair virtual.

“We have that service to be able to assist and bridge that gap,” Sanchez said.

Instead of jumping from booth to booth to see what jobs are available, people hopped around the different Zoom calls to talk to potential employers.

“It’s just very different to be doing these types of interviews and trying to ask questions from sitting here from my little chair,” Skove said. “It’s very different.”

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