Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin is hosting the city's annual job fair for young adults ages 16 to 25.
California's unemployment rate is just under 10% and Fresno county's unemployment rate is about 15%, but for teens statewide, the unemployment rate is nearly 35%.
Around 2,000 job seekers packed into the Manchester center this morning where the job fair was held. There are a few things you can do to make you stand out among other candidates.
"I have a follow-up interview on Friday, so I've got to go in Friday morning," said job seeker, Trevor Banks.
Banks is only 16-years-old, but is getting a head start with the job hunting
process. Just like him, others are feeling the pressure of a stagnant job market.
"I have bills to pay, just like everybody else. I got the work eager and I need a job to fulfill it," said another job seeker, John Neighbors.
Job coordinator at Fresno City College, Cindy Dunn says dressing appropriately is the first step.
"Men should wear white shirts or light blue shirts. They should wear a nice, silk tie," said Dunn.
Sleeveless blouses for an interview aren't recommended. Dunn shows us a job seeker who dressed the part.
"She's very polished, she's very neat," Dunn said about a well dressed job seeker.
Applying for the job is one thing, but interviewing is another. Dunn said applicants sometimes get stumped on the first question.
"Which is tell me about yourself," said Dunn.
Dunn says the question is not about your personal life, but rather your skills and goals.
Other tips include making sure your hair is groomed, covering up any tattoos you may have, minimum jewelry and makeup for women, and little to no perfume or cologne. Also, come prepared with an up-to-date resume with past work experience and references.
The job seekers we spoke with say even if they don't get a job, they'll be walking away more experienced.
"It can't hurt you, you get all this information about all these jobs," said Carlos Vazquez.
Dunn says if you don't have a lot of money to purchase quality clothing, you might find something in a consignment store without spending a fortune.
California's unemployment rate is just under 10% and Fresno county's unemployment rate is about 15%, but for teens statewide, the unemployment rate is nearly 35%.
Around 2,000 job seekers packed into the Manchester center this morning where the job fair was held. There are a few things you can do to make you stand out among other candidates.
"I have a follow-up interview on Friday, so I've got to go in Friday morning," said job seeker, Trevor Banks.
Banks is only 16-years-old, but is getting a head start with the job hunting
process. Just like him, others are feeling the pressure of a stagnant job market.
"I have bills to pay, just like everybody else. I got the work eager and I need a job to fulfill it," said another job seeker, John Neighbors.
Job coordinator at Fresno City College, Cindy Dunn says dressing appropriately is the first step.
"Men should wear white shirts or light blue shirts. They should wear a nice, silk tie," said Dunn.
Sleeveless blouses for an interview aren't recommended. Dunn shows us a job seeker who dressed the part.
"She's very polished, she's very neat," Dunn said about a well dressed job seeker.
Applying for the job is one thing, but interviewing is another. Dunn said applicants sometimes get stumped on the first question.
"Which is tell me about yourself," said Dunn.
Dunn says the question is not about your personal life, but rather your skills and goals.
Other tips include making sure your hair is groomed, covering up any tattoos you may have, minimum jewelry and makeup for women, and little to no perfume or cologne. Also, come prepared with an up-to-date resume with past work experience and references.
The job seekers we spoke with say even if they don't get a job, they'll be walking away more experienced.
"It can't hurt you, you get all this information about all these jobs," said Carlos Vazquez.
Dunn says if you don't have a lot of money to purchase quality clothing, you might find something in a consignment store without spending a fortune.