MOSES LAKE — More than 60 exhibitors are scheduled to have booths at the annual Big Bend Community College Job and Career Fair, scheduled for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 1 at the ATEC building on the BBCC campus.

This is the career fair’s 24th year, said BBCC director of communications Matt Killebrew. Previously the career fair was held in mid-April; Killebrew said it was moved to encourage more participation. “A lot of Big Bend staff were not able to participate” when it was held in mid-April. “The new date is just more conducive all around, from more participation from BBCC staff to easier scheduling of the ATEC building.”

Traditionally the job fair draws prospective employers from the private and public sectors, higher education and social service representatives. Two workshops are scheduled also, “Get Social Media Working for You,” and “Reduce the Stress of Job Searching.”

The social media workshop details the habits that can make – or break – a job search, Killebrew said. “Many people are not aware one of the first things employers research about potential employees are the things they post online. You can sometimes ruin your chances of being hired before you even get the chance to interview,” he said.

“With social media playing such a huge role in our lives today, everyone needs to know about the potential benefits, as well as the potential harm, their social media presence can create.”

The college’s Career Services Center can help people who want to prepare a resume in advance of the job fair, Killebrew said. People can contact the career center at 509-793-2069.

“We want to provide a complete environment that not only pairs potential employees and employers, but also gives those searching for employment some tools to make their search more successful.”

SkillSource will have a booth.

Dawn Miller, employment connections coordinator with Grant Integrated Services, is speaking about reducing stress during the job search.

Miller will provide job seekers with self care tips that are so vital during the job search.

“Employers can tell if you’re stressed,” Miller said. “It’s important to take good care of yourself. It makes a difference in how you present.”

Companies and agencies already signed up for exhibit space include AeroTek/Genie, Quincy Foods, TEAM employment agency, Express Personnel, the U.S. Army and Marine Corps, along with the Border Patrol. Others are Platt Electric, Basic American Foods, CHS, Inc., Lamb Weston/BSW, Securitas, Washington State Parks, Washington State Patrol, the Grant County dispatch center (MACC) and Washington Department of Corrections.

Health care organizations include Samaritan Healthcare, Columbia Basin Health Association, Confluence Health, McKay Healthcare and Rehab and Odessa Memorial Healthcare. Extended care facilities include Genesis/Columbia Crest and Riverview Retirement Community.

Other healthcare-related attendees are PRN/Home Care Registry, Avalon Healthcare, St. Luke’s Rehab, Beneficial In-Home Care, Rescare and Sage Academy of Massage. Colleges and training schools participating include Washington State University, Central Washington University, BBCC and Embry Riddle. The Quincy and Soap Lake school districts are among the exhibitors also.

Businesses include Anderson Hay, Evergreen Implement, Haney Trucking, BBSI, National Frozen Foods, Rhino Staging, Weinstein Beverage, Americold, Midway Beverage, REC Silicon, Home Depot, Inland Tarp and Cover, SGL, Moses Lake Industries and Lowes. Others are Fastenal, Lil’ Chiefs Daycare, Skagit Transportation and the Gorge Amphitheater.

Unions will be represented by IBEW locals No. 77 and No. 191. Local agencies include the city of Ephrata, Grant County Mosquito Control Board, Family Services of Grant County and the Grant Transit Authority. Inspire Development Centers (early childhood education) and OIC of Washington will have booths.

Cheryl Schweizer can be reached via email at [email protected]. Managing Editor Lynne Lynch contributed to this report.