Hundreds line up at area job fairs

DAYTON (WDTN) - The floor of the Nutter Center was filled with opportunity on Tuesday, March 16. That's because there were 26 local companies looking for new employees.

53 year-old, Anthony Washington, was among the crowd. "I thought I'd be able to find a job real quickly," said Washington. "But, it's not working out like that".

Washington lost his information technology job last year when his company downsized. He'd been with his previous employer for more than 13 years, and like many of the people at Tuesday's job fair, never expected to be without work.

Most everyone at the job fair was looking for a fresh start and some advice from AARP officials, who co-sponsored the event.

"For an individual who's over 50, it's really important they reassess their resume and emphasize their strengths. Say, this is what i delivered at my last job and be able to communicate that information," said Kevin Craiglow with the AARP's public outreach.

Washington worked his way around the room, but didn't have any luck and left still unemployed.

"Just a job. I'm not picky. The way things are out there, you can't be too picky," he said.

Across town, at Sinclair's Ponitz Center, Tiffini Hooks shared similar feelings.

She said he hoped for, "somebody to see how desperate I am for a job. I just hope somebody gives me a shot".

Hooks worked on the line at GM for 14 years. When the plant shut down, she went back to school. Hooks is now is a licensed nurse but, is still without a job.

"It's like, wow, I didn't know it was going to be this bad," she said.

Hooks was one of hundreds who went to the job fair specifically for health care workers. She said she's already interviewed with most of the companies here, but is still hopeful her luck will change.

"Hoping somebody would give me a chance or some kind of good news to get a job".