Set a Hire Bar
Courtesy Cincinnati Works
Be Ready
Prepare to Compete Preparation is what separates candidates who simply attend from those who get called back.
Update Your Resume Keep your resume simple, clean, and easy to read. Include contact information, work experience or volunteer activities, school achievements or certifications, and leadership roles or teamwork experiences
Research Employers Ahead of Time Take time to learn which companies are attending the event. Research what they do, company values, and career growth opportunities This helps you ask thoughtful questions and demonstrate genuine interest.
Practice Your Introduction Prepare a short 20-second introduction. Simple, confident introductions help employers remember you.
Dress Like You’re Ready to Work You do not need expensive clothing to make a strong impression. Employers simply want to see professionalism and effort. A polished appearance communicates respect for the opportunity.
Make the Most of Every Conversation Approach employers with confidence. Remember, employers are not just evaluating experience. They are evaluating attitude, professionalism, and potential.
Bring Multiple Copies of Your Resume Always bring at least 10 copies. Some employers may conduct interviews immediately or ask you to apply on-site.
Take Notes Keep track of employer names, roles discussed, and follow-up instructions. Ask each employer for a business card. This helps you stay organized after the event.
Follow Up Afterward One of the most overlooked steps in the job search is follow-up. Within 24 to 48 hours send a thank-you email, reaffirm your interest, and reference something specific from your conversation, This small effort can set you apart from other applicants.
Ready to Take the Next Step? Connect with Cincinnati Works for resume support, interview coaching, job readiness training, and employer connections
Find out more at cincinnatiworks.org.
Finding a job can be hard, but one organization is working to make it a little bit easier.
Cincinnati Works is holding a Career & Resource Fair on Thursday, June 4 in Washington Park, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is an opportunity for those looking for a summer job, making a career move, or interested in exploring new opportunities to connect with more than 35 local employers and resource providers eager to meet local talent, including The Christ Hospital Health Network, Gorilla Glue, Kroger, Nehemiah Manufacturing Co., and Western & Southern.
The upcoming job fair is chance to meet employers face-to-face, learn about open positions, and potentially interview on the spot. At Cincinnati Works, workforce coaches help members prepare not only to find employment, but to build long-term career success through coaching, training, and support.
Applying online can often feel impersonal. The job fairs offers real conversations and real connections. Employers attending these events are actively looking for candidates and want to meet people who are motivated, prepared, and professional.
Many companies are hiring for:
Seasonal summer positions
Entry-level customer service jobs
Hospitality and event staffing
Warehouse and logistics roles
Healthcare support positions
Skilled trades and apprenticeships
Along with information and the chance to meet with representatives from multiple industries, the job fair also offers food for purchase from Maw Maw’s Creole Kitchen, treats from Kona Ice, and music from DJ. There will also be a raffle for Kroger gift cards, with a winner drawn and announced every 30 minutes. (Must be present to win!)
Meeting an employer in person allows candidates to showcase personality, communication skills, and enthusiasm, all things that are difficult to communicate through an online application alone.
Cincinnati Works advances economic mobility by connecting people to opportunity. We partner with individuals seeking employment and support employers in building stronger, more reliable workforces through coaching, skill development, and retention-focused support.
Since 1996, Cincinnati Works has turned hope into opportunity and worked hand-in-hand with members, employers, and community to inspire transformation and progress.

