Actions

SWFL Virtual Job Fair brings hope

Posted at 9:57 PM, Aug 13, 2020
and last updated 2020-08-13 21:58:00-04

CAPE CORAL, Fla. — Here at Fox 4 we have continued to bring you the latest job openings in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic through our Rebound series. Thursday, we teamed with Better Together, Cape Christian and the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition to bring over 40 employers to the Southwest Florida Virtual Job Fair.

The main message to take away from the event is there are companies right here in southwest Florida ready to hire people needing to get back to work.

The industries hiring ranged from nursing to construction to education with everything in between. The virtual approach provided a unique experience for job seekers to meet directly with employers from the safety and comfort of their own homes.

On the spot interviews allowed for quicker hiring. Mindy Hansen from Volunteers of America loved the face to face interaction from the event.

"It went very well, we ended up having quite a few people coming in and having some really great questions what they were looking for what requirements were needed for certain positions," says Hansen.

Matthew Hollenbeck, who attended today's event, knows first hand what its like to lose your job due to the pandemic. After being in the restaurant business for over a decade, its been difficult past few months to keep bill collectors at bay.

"It was February, when this all started coming. I started thinking like, oh man, its only a matter of time. We’re going to be one of the first things shut down," said Hollenbeck. "Fortunately I'm collecting unemployment right now and that’s been a saving grace so I can keep current on all the the bills, the mortgage, stuff like that."

When Matthew heard about the job fair, he immediately signed up to see what employers had to offer.

"You have to prioritize the whole job hunt thing," says Hollenbeck, "I tell you, its been great! The presentations have been awesome."

Matthew joined multiple online meetings all day meeting with companies to find the right job fit for him and his family.

"I just think about my 14-month-old son Ryland and my 5-year-old son Jackson. This is about finding something that is going to work with our schedules so I can go out and buy diapers!" says Hollenbeck.

If you missed out on Wednesday's event, visit the Better Together website for the list of job openings available.