Hundreds Seek Employment at Job Fair and Career Expo in Far Rockaway hosted by Senator James Sanders Jr.

In his continuing efforts to bring economic development and prosperity to the people of the 10^th Senatorial District, Senator James Sanders Jr. (D-Rochdale Village, Far Rockaway) hosted a Job Fair and Career Expo at the Rockaway YMCA on Friday, May 17, 2019.

"Do you feel lucky?" Sanders asked the crowd. "You should."

"We said we were going to bring opportunities home to where real people live, and real people live in the Rockaways," Sanders' continued. "We have so many vendors here, you should be able to get five jobs." 
 
Some 300 people attended the event seeking employment and had the opportunity to speak with more than two dozen companies, organizations and agencies, which had a wide variety of positions available. There was something for everyone including youth, seniors and veterans.

In addition to the networking and interviewing opportunities, the expo also featured a branding workshop taught by Kevin Livingston, the Founder of 100 Suits. He gave attendees tips that included how to stand out from a crowd and how to make a lasting impression.

"It's about your presentation. It's about what you bring to the table," Livingston said. "These companies get a stack of resumes. What is going to distinguish you from those other people?"

He said it's always important to get the employer / recruiter's business card in order to send a follow up email thanking them for the opportunity to be considered for the position. During the interview, Livingston said to ask the employer what their favorite color is and then mention their answer in the follow up email. This will let the employer know that you took took the interview seriously because you cared about their feedback enough to remember this personal information about them, Livingston explained.

100 Suits began in 2011 with Livingston trying to help young men, mostly gang members, get real jobs and leave the street lifestyle by providing them with suits and business attire to go on job interviews. He then expanded his mission to include more underprivileged men and women in need of gainful employment. The organization received 501(c)(3) in 2015 and its mission goes far beyond providing a suit and includes community activism and involvement. 100 Suits has been featured on the Steve Harvey Show, and the organization has worked with celebrities such as Colin Kapernick and Steve Martin 

Also, in the days leading up to the expo, Workforce 1 offered career advisement and interview skills workshops. 

Employers featured at the expo included: 

16 Things Kids Can Do
AHRC New York City
Atlantic Dialysis Management Services
Automotive Diesel Institute 
CCA Metro - Carpenters Union
Council for Airport Opportunity
Edison Home Health Care
Far Rockaway NAACP
FDNY Office of Recruitment and Retention
Human Resources Administration
Jericho Project
JetBlue
JFK Redevelopment Program
Long Island Power Authority (LIPA)
Long Island Railroad (LIRR)
New York City Commission on Human Rights
Non-Traditional Employment for Women
Metro Plus
McKissack & McKissack
MTA Metro North
NYADI – The College of Transportation Technology
NYC Commission on Human Rights
NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services
NYC Department of Corrections
NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
NYC Parks Department
Paradies Lagardere 
Percy Jobs & Careers
Port Authority of NY & NJ 
Queens Chamber of Commerce
Queens Law Associates
Resorts World
Rockaway YMCA
Royal Care
SCO Family of Services
Simple College Solutions
Small Business Administration (SBA)
TriMed Home Care Services
TriMed Social Adult Daycare Services
TWA Hotel
US Army
US Census Bureau
US Small Business Administration
Urban League Seniors Job Program Queens
Veterans Administration at Veterans Center Manhattan Vet Center

The event was conducted in partnership with 100 Suits, the Rockaway YMCA and CB#14's Youth Services & Education Committee. 

We would like to thank the NYPD 101st Precinct for their support.