Hundreds attend job fair in Groton

Groton (WTNH) - A job fair today in Groton drew hundreds of people. The competition is cutthroat in this tough economy and it seems finding a job is a job in itself.

Tiena and Derek Ellis are both looking for work.

"It's been pretty difficult with the economy the way it is right now. Everybody's out there looking," Tiena said.

"If things get worse we might have to cut off the house phone and the Internet," Derek said.

The Connecticut Department of Labor hosted the job fair in Groton and they say the number of employers is down to 27 and the number of people seeking work is way up.

"Normally in this area, at this time of the morning, the beginning of the job fair we don't have lines like we do today," said John Tirinzonie, Department of Labor.

Tirinzonie says networking is important for those looking for work.

"Where are the jobs these days? Many company's are hiring in the state, the trouble is they're not hiring in numbers. Health, educational services has been one area that growing," Tirinzonie said.

Primerica offers on the job training.

And what starts as part-time work could lead to full-time at Mosaic.

"We depend on the job fairs to bring us our workforce," said Cheryl Fitzgerald of Mosaic.

Shawn Tyson had some luck with Mohegan Sun.

"We actually got an interview on Thursday," Shawn said.

The Department of Labor will hold its next job fair on June 23rd at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Cromwell.