When the Flathead Job Service held its last Flathead Valley Job Fair in 2009, much of the feedback involved job seekers frustrated by the lack of solid leads offered at the event.

But for the next job fair on April 18 at Flathead Valley Community College, employers grabbed every available slot prior to the deadline.

“At first we were worried if we’d have enough employers to fill this, but as of this morning, we have too many,” said Terri Haueter, business resource consultant for the Flathead Job Service. “It’s been a really great feeling for us to get that response so quickly.”

The 2013 job fair, to be held in the FVCC Arts & Technology Building in Room 139 from noon to 12:30 p.m. for military veterans and 12:30 to 4 p.m. for the general public, will feature 54 employers. 

There is a waiting list for employers in case anyone withdraws from the event, which is limited by the size of the facility.

At past job fairs, some participants have offered job-related services but not necessarily jobs; that will not be the case this year, Haueter said. Organizers stipulated that each participant be an employer with at least one genuine vacancy to fill.

The employment situations are varied, Haueter said.

“Some are ongoing, some are seasonal, some are hiring full time, some part time,” she said. 

Employers are interested in taking part in job fairs, Haueter said, because they have an opportunity to meet applicants right away.

“That ability to get face to face, I think that’s a real bonus for employers,” she said. “They can see instantly what a person is like. They can see if they want to schedule further interviews. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

Haueter encourages job seekers to bring more than one copy of their resume. Be prepared as if for a real interview and “dress for success.”

“They should research companies they’re interested in and tailor a resume for every single company,” she said. 

Job openings in the Flathead Valley in general have increased dramatically, Haueter said. 

“We have 323 jobs listed right now, and that’s a huge difference from where it was a year ago,” she said. “We have jobs across the board.”

For more information, call 758-6200.