What are the 2011 WORK PAY$ Job Fairs?

The statewide job fairs are designed to give persons with disabilities who are job-ready full access to employers in one location to help them find jobs.

Where are the job fairs held?

The job fairs are held on various dates throughout the state in October. This year’s regions include; Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Houma, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Monroe, New Orleans, Shreveport and Slidell.

Who can attend the job fairs?

The WORK PAY$ Job Fairs are FREE to job seekers and employers. The event offers an opportunity for individuals with disabilities and the general public to meet with local businesses that are looking to diversify their workforce. The Job Fairs provide a venue for employers to meet face-to-face with job seekers with disabilities to learn more about their talents.

Who puts on the job fairs?

The job fairs are sponsored by the Department of Health and Hospital’s Medicaid Purchase Plan through its federal Medicaid Infrastructure Grant. The events are spearheaded by the Louisiana Workforce Commission’s Disability Program Navigator (DPN) Initiative, and coordinated by the WORK PAY$ consortium, which include partner agencies working to increase the employment opportunities for persons with disabilities in Louisiana.

Have you ever put on the job fairs before?

Yes, since the job fair initiative began in Louisiana eight years ago, it has connected more than 11,000 job seekers with roughly 1,130 businesses statewide. We hope to connect even more job seekers and businesses in 2011.

Why do we have the job fairs?

People with disabilities are our largest minority population and also our largest number of underemployed.

What do I need to do as a potential job seeker?

• • Prepare or update your resume
• • Bring plenty of resumes
• • Be prepared to fill out applications if required
• • Dress professionally
• • Arrive early
• • Be prepared to discuss your career goals
• • Be prepared to interview on the spot
• • Be enthusiastic

When asked “What are you looking for here at the job fair?” Remember that stating “a job” is not an acceptable answer. You should be ready with a clear and brief description of exactly what you are seeking.

What do I need to do as an employer interested in participating at the job fair?

Complete the Business Registration Form [ Click Here ]

What if I need more information about the job fairs?

Please contact Georgette K. Wallace, with the Louisiana Workforce Commission, Disability Program Navigator Initiative at 225-342-2936 or gwallace1@lwc.la.gov