Job fair a chance to connect

By Lethbridge Herald on September 25, 2025.

Herald Photo by Joe Manio Writing an effective resume isn't rocket science. There are many free online applications for writing resumes including Canva, and also many books like "What Color Is Your Parachute" (which has been published for over 55 years).

Joe Manio
Lethbridge Herald

Job fairs are a valuable opportunity for job seekers to meet with prospective employers, and Teamworks Career Centre, in partnership with The Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce will be hosting their Community Job Fair today at the Agri-food Hub & Trade Centre (in Salon A, B & C).

There will be more than 60 local employers from various industries attending the event and it is expected to host more than 1,000 job seekers. There is no cost for Job seekers, who are encouraged to stop by anytime between 10 a.m. – 3 p.m..

“We continue to see a real need in our community for direct access to employment opportunities and employers,” says Teamworks Career Centre Manager Barb Wolstoncroft. “This job fair is more than just a hiring event—it’s a chance for job seekers to make meaningful connections, explore new career paths, and take confident steps toward their future. Events like this help strengthen our local workforce, support businesses, and build momentum for economic growth.” 

As paradoxical as it may sound, the purpose for attending a job fair is not to land a job (at least not off the bat). The primary purpose is to network…get a name–possibly a future networking contact or informational interview.

“We are thrilled to see such strong employer participation, showcasing our members’ commitment to attracting and retaining top talent,” said Cyndi Crane, CEO of the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce. “This event provides an excellent opportunity for job seekers to connect directly with local businesses that are actively hiring and eager to grow their teams.” 

Preparation is key and job seekers should research attending companies, tailor their resumes and an elevator pitch (a short summary of who they are, what they’re looking for and why their interested in their company) for those companies, and bring multiple copies of their resume, along with a notepad for taking notes. 

They should also plan a strategy, including a list of prioritized companies and an action plan for follow-up, while also dressing professionally and arriving early to make the most of the event. 

Even in this electronic age, the old-school printed resume still has its place at career fairs; although some employers may not accept hard copies and may ask you to apply online. In such cases, make sure to note down the necessary information for their hiring website.

A resume is a concise one to two-page summary of a job applicant’s professional experience, education, and skills, tailored to a specific job to highlight relevant qualifications and secure an interview. The key words are two pages maximum.  

A resume is not a lengthy comprehensive life history, nor a place for irrelevant personal details like age or salary; nor is it a substitute for a cover letter (which is not needed at a job fair).

Less is actually more because if a resume is not electronically scanned (after the job fair), a hiring manager will typically spend 15-30 seconds (or even less) on an initial review to decide if the candidate is a good fit. If the resume passes this quick screening, the hiring manager will then spend a longer time reviewing it in detail, but if it doesn’t make the cut, it’s quickly rejected.

The Job Fair is an initiative of the Centre for Hiring Excellence, funded by the Government of Alberta – Jobs, Economy and Trade, to assist local employers with their workforce recruitment needs.