(March 29, 2013) Resort residents and visitors searching for a part-time, summer/seasonal job or full-time, year-round employment will find a number of options to choose from on Saturday, all in one location, during the 28th annual Ocean City Job Fair.
The event, sponsored by the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Town of Ocean City, takes place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Ocean City convention center on 40th Street. There is no cost to attend.
Approximately four million people travel to Ocean City between Memorial Day and Labor Day each year. While these visitors make the trip to sunbathe on the beach, shop, walk the Boardwalk and take in all of what the town has to offer, others come to the resort to work.
The job fair provides potential employees with a one-stop shop of available jobs, according to Lisa Dennis, events director of the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce.
More than 75 businesses will be represented so job seekers can submit applications to a number of employers all in one place.
“They can apply for multiple jobs and they don’t have to drive around to do it,” Dennis said.
Many businesses also hire on the spot, so Dennis suggests attendees arrive early, “dress for success” and be prepared. A good first impression is important in such a competitive job market because employers have such a large base to choose from.
Although Laser Tone will provide free onsite photocopy services, it is recommended that job seekers take plenty of copies of their resumé. A generic application is available online at www.oceancity.org, under the “Ocean City Job Fair” link on the events page.
Most employers are looking for summer/seasonal employees, but full-time positions are also available. Businesses that will be on hand include hotels, motels, restaurants/bars, amusements, retail stores, specialty shops, real estate and property management companies and marinas.
The Ocean City Beach Patrol, Ocean Pines Recreation & Parks Department, US Army and Montgomery County Police Department will also be represented.
A list of employers scheduled to attend is available on the Chamber Web site.
“There’s a little bit of everything this year. A few years ago it was basically seasonal jobs, but now there are places hiring for year-round positions,” Dennis said. “Everybody is encouraged to come. There’s something for everyone.”
The job fair has become increasingly popular because of economics. Approximately 5,000 applicants showed up to the 2012 event and Dennis anticipates about the same turnout this year.
“Six years ago, about 800 people attended, but with the economy changing, [attendance] has quadrupled,” Dennis said.
Job seekers range from high school students to older adults, all with varying skills.
Housing information will also be available at the job fair. Greg Eberts and his staff at One-Stop Job Market, based in Salisbury, will be on hand to assist job seekers.
For more information about the Ocean City Job Fair, call 410-213-0552 or visit www.oceancity.org.
