The Peterborough Town House (Photo by Ben Conant, Monadnock Ledger-Transcript)
Along with signs outside businesses proclaiming “Now Hiring,” there are news stories about people in various sectors of the economy losing their jobs.
An event next month at ConVal is aiming to bring people together to address both issues.
The Economic Development Authority of Peterborough, the ConVal School District and the Greater Monadnock Collaborative have come together to create a two-day event at the high school that will focus not just on area businesses with stories to tell, but have a day dedicated to job interviews for adults as well as students.
The first event at hand is Job & Career Fair Day on April 17, followed by Initial Interview Day on April 24.
“This is the first time the town, the ConVal School District and the Greater Monadnock Collaborative have come to gether for such an event, making it the first annual (event of this nature),” stated Trisha Cheever, Peterborough’s energy and community planner, adding that the collaborative effort has a “goal of reducing unemployment and underemployment, which essential for economic growth.”
According to NH Employment Security, the unemployment rate in Hillsborough County was 3.7% in January, and 3.2% in Cheshire County for the same period. The statewide rate for that month was 3.3%. Cheever said that one aspect the event targets the hiring process.
“What makes this event unique is that participants will be encouraged to bring resumes with them, and the addition of an initial interview day. We want to drive home the commitment we have to bridge this gap by setting up businesses and attendees for success,” said Cheever.
The first day of the program will be a chance for businesses to promote themselves, and share what makes working for them appealing, including opportunities and perks. Adults and students are encouraged to bring resumes, as this is when initial interviews will be scheduled. For that day, Cheever said that businesses should put their best feet forward, and she encourages them to “bring any visuals, activities or takeaways that they believe will best showcase their company.”
She added that some businesses might not be able to attend the follow-up day a week later, and that there will be a signup sheet for interviews.
April 24 will involve an “initial interview format,” and Cheever stressed the breadth of opportunities, noting that the event has in mind “residents looking to make a career change” as well as students seeking summer jobs.
“This opportunity helps them to refine both their hard skills and soft skills,” said Cheever.
“Hard skills” are those that are technical that one must usually be taught or trained in, such as accounting, machine operation or cybersecurity. The “soft skills” include being able to communicate effectively and sound interpersonal skills.
“I believe the interview day is crucial,” said Cheever. “Job fairs contribute to community development by bringing together local businesses, educational institutions and community organizations, which can lead to broader economic benefits.”
Cheever emphasized that while this two-day event is being held at ConVal, it is for all ages, including individuals looking to transition to new fields of work.
It was the creativity of ConVal student Abby Peters, however, that produced the poster for the event.
The Monadnock Job & Career Fair will be held in the ConVal High School Gymnasium on April 17 and April 24, 3:30 to 6 p.m. both days in the ConVal High School Gymnasium, 184 Hancock Road, Peterborough.
This article is being shared by partners in the Granite State News Collaborative. For more information, visit collaborativenh.org.
