Hennepin County Libraries' Teen Job Fair

Teens: did you know that as many as 80% of jobs are not advertised?  Or that volunteer jobs count as work experience on your resume?  That you can meet dozens of employers of teens at one location – Hennepin County Library’s Teen Job Fair? Begin your search for a great job at the sixth annual Teen Job Fair on Saturday, March 24, noon-3 p.m. at Hennepin County Library – Minneapolis Central, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis.  Admission is free.

The job fair offers teens ages 14-19 an opportunity to meet employers from Hennepin County businesses and organizations, find out about jobs, internships, and volunteer opportunities, pick up job applications, and attend workshops offering tips on finding job leads, filling out job applications, and polishing interview skills. Parents and guardians are welcome, too. 

Last year, more than 1,000 teens attended.  Comments included “Worth the time,”  “Awesome workshop,” and “Great fair.”  The Teen Job Fair is a great resource for employers, too.

“Employers who are interested in hiring teens, and teens who are looking for jobs, will find resources and opportunities to meet each other at the Teen Job Fair,” said Hennepin County Commissioner Peter McLaughlin.

“Every summer I hire a teen worker in my office.  I find them to be energetic team members who use their part-time job as a way to learn new skills, gain experience for future employment, and help advance the work done in my office.  Many of my former interns have gone on to work in the corporate and non-profit worlds. I hope that their experience working in my office helps inform them as they make career choices.”

Businesses and organizations who have signed up so far to participate in this year’s Teen Job Fair include the Conservation Corps of Minnesota, the Cookie Cart, the Job Corps, Juxtaposition Arts, KFAI Radio, Lunds and Byerlys, the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, the Minneapolis Parks & Recreation Board Teen Teamworks, and others.  For the complete roster:  http://www.hclib.org/teens/TeenJobFairExhibitors.cfm

Free workshops for teens also will be presented. Kate Trigger from Minneapolis Workforce Centers’ Youth Zone will present “Get a Job Now.” Staff from businesses and organizations will offer tips on completing job applications, interview skills, and how to find job leads at a “Who We Hire” panel discussion.

There will also be a book display and a book list of teen job hunting resources available at Hennepin County libraries.

Some employers may be accepting applications or conducting job interviews at the job fair, and some will not.  Teens are welcome to use one of the library’s 300+ computers to complete online job applications.

Teens who have a resume should bring it with them in case they will be filling out job applications.

Should teens dress up for the job fair?  It is not necessary, but this may be an opportunity to make a good first impression with a prospective employer.

There are still openings for organizations and small businesses as well as chains with locations throughout the metro area who would like to participate – even employers who accept only online applications, or employers who are not currently hiring.  Participation is free.  By participating, employers can increase awareness of their organization or business and screen a large number of job hunters in a short period of time. 

Employers who are interested in participating should call Cynthia Matthias at 612-543-8044. Employers will be provided with a six-foot table, chairs, and free WiFi.

The Teen Job Fair will be held on the second floor of the library.  For more information:  http://www.hclib.org/teens/TeenJobFair.cfm