Free career fair Jan. 24 at Rancho Bernardo Inn

By Elizabeth Marie Himchak

If you are looking for a job or thinking about switching careers, a free event in Rancho Bernardo next week could result in some leads.

San Diego North Chamber of Commerce is hosting a career fair and professional growth workshops from 9 a.m. to noon Thursday, Jan. 24 in the Rancho Bernardo Inn, 17550 Bernardo Oaks Drive. Admission and parking are free.

There are two aspects of the event. The career fair features companies from throughout the county that are seeking employees. The companies come in all sizes and offer a wide assortment of positions in various fields.

Among the two dozen-plus companies sending representatives will be Harrah’s Rincon Casino and Resort, General Atomics, National University, Rancho Bernardo Inn, San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, The Elizabeth Hospice, U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, said Debra Rosen, SDNCC’s president and CEO.

While the companies will not be conducting interviews during the fair, Rosen advises job seekers to bring their résumés because they will be making initial connections with human resources personnel. To make a positive first impression, she added they should wear business attire.

The other aspect of the event will be the workshops. Job seekers can get free one-on-one advice on refining their résumés. There will also be free workshops on interview skills, tips on professional dress for the interview, military transition employment and how to use social media such as LinkedIn to find a job.

Rosen said the workshops will be repeated throughout the morning.

She said the event is an opportunity for locals to explore career options, adding it is one of various ways the chamber is trying to help job seekers connect with companies that are hiring. Another is a free job bank the chamber has created at www.sdncc.com/chamber/jobs, which lists several hundred openings and internships at more than 50 companies in the region.

Joining the chamber in presenting the event are the Escondido Chamber of Commerce, Poway Chamber of Commerce, San Diego Workforce Partnership, North County Career Centers, San Diego Employers Association and the Rancho Bernardo Inn.

Rosen said companies that would like to participate have until Friday, Jan. 18 to register. A booth is $175 for companies that belong to the chamber and nonprofits, and $275 for non-members. For details, contact Danielle Ehrlich at 858-487-1767 or danielle@sdncc.com.