MILWAUKEE — Since March 15, more than 765,000 people filed for unemployment. That's about an 867 % increase compared to the same time last year.
Julie Hartmann realizes what a blessing it is to be employed during COVID-19. She secured communications positions at a manufacturing facility after going to a job fair hosted by Express Employment Professionals.
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"Be absolutely honest about what you are looking for and what you can and cannot do and what your skill sets are," Hartmann says is the advice she has for job seekers.
Saturday, the employment service is at it again, hosting a job fair at its Milwaukee location at 1010 West Layton Avenue from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The group is looking to help fill at least fifty openings.
"We've got numerous opportunities ranging from entry-level general labor positions, clerical positions, we've got some packaging positions and we also have professional skills positions," said JP Garcia with the agency.
"People are hiring still. So if we don't have what you're looking for today, that might change within a matter of days," he continued.
In order to be safe during COVID-19, the job fair will be held outside of the office under a canopy. Job seekers can stay in their car and fill out an application. Otherwise, expect to be spaced out in line and you're encouraged to bring a mask along with your resume.
Some of these jobs could start as soon as next week.
"The people that want to work, if they stay persistent, staffing firms like ours are going to help," said Bob Coletti, owner of Express Employment Professionals.
"Get out there, get your name out there, and they are very helpful and are doing everything they can to get you where you need to be," said Hartmann.