Preparation key to success at state's largest job fair

By Dan Nakaso
Advertiser Staff Writer

Elizabeth Ramos will put on a business suit, gather up 25 copies of her resume and try to find her place among 5,000 other applicants expected to attend the state's largest job fair today.

Personal shopper Bethani Johnson, left, and client Michelle Kaio look for the perfect suit at the YWCA's Dress for Success office. The program helps low-income women with business attire and etiquette. Bruce Asato • The Honolulu Advertiser

But statistics mean little to those still looking for work.

"It's pretty scary out there," said Ramos, who will graduate from the University of Phoenix next month with a business management degree. Despite her age of 42, Ramos is prepared to start in an entry-level job and be flexible on pay if it gives her a chance to be promoted into management.

"I'm willing to negotiate."

So are the 122 companies that have signed up for space at the WorkForce 2004 job fair, the largest recruiter turnout ever for the fair.

While employers say they are hiring, job candidates have found that companies are holding out for the best prospects.

"There are more jobs available, it seems, so maybe job seekers think it will be easier because it's a job-seeker's market," said Christine McColgan, executive director for the O'ahu Workforce Investment Board, a city-run training and employment program. "But employers still have a choice. And the cost of hiring a new employee is so high that they want to make sure they make the best possible selection for themselves."

Chuck Daly, 54, has been looking for work since March, when his contract ended on a series of data-management projects.

Daly has applied for several technology jobs but constantly hears that he's overqualified.

"There's a wide open job market, but the bulk are for entry-level type jobs," Daly said. "The pay rates aren't commensurate with experience, which is fine, because I'm willing to take a cut. ... I'm sure that the job I'm looking for is out there. I know it is. I just have to find it."

Joel Simmons also plans to be flexible on salary and position because he hopes his future employer can be flexible with him.

Simmons, 24, graduated from the University of Hawai'i in May 2003 with a bachelor's degree in religion.

Simmons, whose two younger brothers have learning disabilities, worked for six months as an autism skills trainer. Then he joined the Honolulu Police Department's training academy, but quit last month when he realized he wasn't suited for police work.

"Great," Simmons thought to himself. "What am I going to do now?"

He plans to attend graduate school at the University of Hawai'i for a master's degree in religion and eventually wants to pursue a doctorate degree on the Mainland.

So for now, Simmons wants a job that will give him the flexibility to study.

"There's not a lot out there for someone like me, who can explain all of the intricacies of esoteric Buddhism," Simmons said. "I'm not so concerned exactly what the job is, unless it's cleaning out the elephant pen at the zoo."

All of the job hunting and hiring has meant double the activity at the YWCA Dress For Success program, which gives work-suitable clothes, accessories and etiquette tips to low-income women looking for work.

The 2-year-old program used to outfit an average of 22 women per month. In the past few months, the number has jumped to an average of 45 women a month.

"Because there are more jobs out there, more women are preparing, and our services are really crucial to getting them into the market," said program coordinator Isla Morley.

McColgan, of the O'ahu Workforce Investment Board, wants every job candidate to be groomed and prepared for today's job fair.

"Employers are looking for the best people out there," McColgan said. "The better front that you put on — dressing properly, speaking properly — the better chance you have of getting a job."

Even if it's a job cleaning out the elephant pen at the zoo.

Reach Dan Nakaso at 525-8085 or dnakaso@honoluluadvertiser.com.