1,000+ in attendance at job fair

FARMINGTON, Conn. (WTNH) -- More than 1,000 people, all looking for a job, crowded into a major job fair in Farmington Tuesday.

There was no shortage of talent, or drive, or enthusiasm at the Hartford Marriot.

Many of those in attendance were looking for new opportunities, after hearing words all too familiar to workers in this economy.

"We're downsizing," said Jose Matias Jr., of Meriden, "so if you make the most money, you've been there the longest, you're the first to go."

For some, finding a job is one thing, but finding the right position is something entirely different.

"It's tough," said Jack Magurany, of Ellington. "I'm looking for a full time position and a lot of what is there is part time."

As an indicator of just how hard it is to find work, consider the education level of folks applying to Dattco to be school bus drivers.

"There's so many people out there that can't find a job in their own field, so we've had engineers apply and people with bachelor's degrees," said Elizabeth Stoutamyer, Dattco Bus Co., "a lot of different people."

There were 25 companies represented at Tuesday's job fair.

And recruiters there had plenty of advice.

"Just keep an open mind," said Ashley Delevieleuse, American Income Life, "don't be that stereotypical closed mind I don't want to do this, don't want to do that, because you never really know until you walk in somebody else's shoes."

And it doesn't take long for even those new to the job market to realize what it takes to go from looking to actually being employed.

"Get some experience," said Rudy Lockhart, of Bristol, "also have a resume and cover letter, dress well for your interviews, shake their hands firm and look them in the eye, stuff like that."

Other jobs fairs around the state include one this Friday, May 18th, at the Holiday Inn in North Haven, and one on June 19th, at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Cromwell.