CNMI Labor to host its own job fair on Nov. 2

Following the success of the CNMI U.S. Eligible Workers Job Expo last Friday, the CNMI Department of Labor will sponsor its own job fair next Wednesday, Nov. 2, from 9am to 3pm, at the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center.

Employment Services Division director Alfred Pangelinan said yesterday that next week’s job fair—a partnership between the CNMI Department of Labor and business sector employers—is for “all CNMI and U.S. permanent residents and all others” who are looking for jobs.

“We had this plan even prior to the job expo of the Department of Commerce,” Pangelinan told Saipan Tribune. “We’re just putting together the final plan [so] more people [will] come in and apply for available jobs.”

Pangelinan disclosed that 21 employers have already confirmed their participation in the job fair. The CNMI Department of Labor, he said, is still working on getting more businesses to participate.

While most of these employers are those that have announced their vacancies through their website, www.marianaslabor.net, Pangelinan noted that they were also able to get the participation of other employers.

Available positions, Pangelinan said, are based largely on the job vacancies posted at the website, including positions in administrative, sales, and maintenance and repair industries.

“This job fair covers both employers that have announced vacancies in their companies and those that have not posted any vacancies but are ‘serious enough’ to hire qualified U.S. workers,” added Pangelinan.

He said the job fair will also offer networking benefits for employers and job applicants alike. “It situates all employers and employees together and giving them right there what they need to do and what they can do to employ and be employed.”

Pangelinan noted, however, that they understand the need for these companies to assess the applicants’ job skills and attitude. “What the employer decides, we’re going to respect it as long as we’re not contributing to any law violation.”

He advised all job applicants to bring their resumes and to “look good, be presentable, and know what kind of job you want.”

“They have to remember that first impression is usually the last impression,” he said. “In order to make a good impression [on] your prospective employer, you need to be presentable and show what they can do and that they can be trusted for the job.”

Pangelinan urged employers to bring extra application forms and to provide applicants with a requirement checklist.

He hopes to have a similar, if not higher, turnout as last Friday’s job expo.

After the job fair, Pangelinan said the CNMI Department of Labor will follow up on participating employers and job seekers if they are hired. “Hopefully, we will hold this on a regular basis,” he added.

Interested employers who have yet to sign up for the job fair or job applicants who have inquiries about the event may call 664-3190 and ask for Radbert Solomon, Dolores Saures, or Roy Tarope.