Hundreds of people looking for work packed the Fort Smith Convention Center on Tuesday. The Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce hosted a job fair.
“I’m a go-getter. That’s what I am,” said Cornelia Chambers, a job seeker.
Chambers and hundreds of others filled out applications at the job fair hoping for employment. “It’s kind of hard out there, you know, finding a good job,” said Chambers.
Chambers started her search several months ago. Others laid off or just looking for new work traveled from other counties to attend Tuesday’s event. “Right now it’s kind of tough, a lot tougher than I thought it would be,” said Dalbert Hice, a job seeker.
The chamber of commerce estimated they had about 350 people arrive the first 15 or 20 minutes of the event. “We have 80 exhibitors today from a variety of companies, manufacturers, corporate headquarters, call centers,” said Tim Allen, COO of the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Banks, schools, food businesses, and even 5NEWS discussed job requirements with potential employees. “Just keep trying. There’s something out there. You just have to wait and find it,” said Hice.
Chambers hopes her skills land her the perfect job. “No is not an answer to me. Like you might not hire me, but it don’t stop my ambitions to go and get another, you know, try hard,” said Chambers.
Employers also encouraged applicants to apply for jobs online.