Need a job or looking for a new one? If so, The Register-Herald’s 2008 Fall Job Fair is the place to be on April 16, Diana Slone, classified advertising manager for the newspaper, says.

“It is the perfect place for any graduating high school or college graduate to begin their career search at the job fair,” Slone said.

The fair, scheduled for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Tamarack Conference Center in Beckley, will feature 22 companies looking for potential employees in the following fields: mining, high technology, social services, law enforcement, medical, manufacturing, clerical, customer service, administration, military, sales, communication, satellite television, construction and more. Part-time, seasonal and full-time job opportunities will be available, Slone added.

“The Spring Job Fair has so many great opportunities from the variety of vendors we have already registered,” Slone said. “We have seven mining companies that will be joining The Register-Herald for this event.”

Companies represented at the job fair include Foundation Coal-Kingston Resources; Integrated Resources; Superior Manufacturing Services; Global Contact Services; DishNetwork; Performance Bicycle; Appalachian Premium Fuels LLC; Marquee Cinemas; West Virginia Department of Health & Human Resources; Patriot Coal; Eastern Associated Coal; WV Mine Power; Massey Energy; Greensboro, N.C., Police Department; ICG Coal; Pinnacle Mining - Cleveland Cliffs; Brier Rehab & Nursing; U.S. Army; Army National Guard; Glade Springs Resort; Brooks Run Mining; Phillips Machine Service Inc.; and the Beckley VA Medical Center.

An important aspect of the job fair, Slone said, is that it eliminates the tedious part of the job hunt for looking for a job who might typically search classified ads for possible opportunities. Also, Slone said, employers benefit because they are able to see candidates in person without wading through resumes.

Slone advises job-seekers to come prepared and dressed professionally with multiple resumes.

Also, she said, interview rooms will be provided, allowing companies, if they choose, to conduct interviews on-site.

“Dress for success,” she said. “First impressions are what companies recall when interviewing people. That can be as important as education and experience.”

Past job fairs sponsored by The Register-Herald have attracted thousands of potential employees, and Slone says she hopes to see a large turnout for this year’s fair. It’s a great opportunity for both potential employees and employers, she said.

“Our job fairs in the past have been very successful in the number of qualified candidates that it has brought to our employers,” Slone said. “There have been many that received employment soon after submitting their application.”

There is no charge for admission and parking, and Slone said two $50 Wal-Mart gift cards will be given away during the fair.

— E-mail: fpace@register-herald.com