KTVN Channel 2 - Reno Tahoe News Weather, Video - Looking for a Job and Gaining Skills
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A unique twist for job seekers in Northern Nevada: a job fair at the University of Phoenix gave the unemployed hope by putting job opportunities front and center and giving them tools for the search.
And every little bit helps since Nevada has the second highest unemployment rate in the country.
"No interviews, no calls"--Those are familiar words coming from people on the hunt for a job.
After 3 months of unemployment, Martha Flores is getting desperate. "Whatever comes, I want to take because I'm really desperate to get a job," Flores said.
Max Higgins was laid off last week and spent the morning on the hunt for a job at the University of Phoenix's job fair.
"I have a family at home that I need to take care of and I want to support," Higgins said.
In addition to employers looking for employees, seminars were offered on how to write resumes and dress for success.
Liz Owens, unemployed since March says, "I'm finding things that I'm doing wrong. I'm finding things I'm doing right. It's an affirmation that I can go out there and that I'm still on the right track."
Fashion expert, Isha Casagrande says you've got to present an image with the way you look and look the part.
"They spend so much time, money and energy getting their degrees and getting ready to get out into the workforce. And really, they have one opportunity, one shot at a first impression to walk in and present who they are," Casagrande said.
Owens adds, "You actually don't get a face to face interview very often. If you are chosen to get a face to face, you'd better take advantage of it and do your research."
Until that time comes, it can be tough.
"I'm frustrated. And one of the things in the class was to be positive, don't beat yourself up. But, it's really, really tough out there," says Kevin O'Reilly, who's been out of work for the last three months.
