Promising Start for Job Fair
Approximately 1,700 people lined up to meet with representatives of fashion, home and beauty companies at the 24 Seven Fashion Career Expo, held June 18 at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York.
This was the first job fair hosted by bicoastal recruiting agency 24 Seven Inc., which lined up 26 apparel and accessories manufacturers and retailers, including A/X Armani Exchange, Tommy Hilfiger, Jones Apparel Group Inc., Chico’s FAS Inc., Liz Claiborne Inc., Wal-Mart Stores Inc., Kellwood Co., Guess? Inc., Saks Fifth Avenue, Zara Inc., Mothers Work Inc., Target Corp., J.Crew and French Connection.
A line stretched out the door at the Metropolitan Pavilion, located on Manhattan’s West Side, thanks to pre-show advertising and a direct-mail campaign that targeted the recruiter’s clients and extensive database of potential applicants. According to Stuart Kagel, chief operations officer of 24 Seven, the company’s database contains information from more than 40,000 job seekers.
“We had a pretty good sense that we were going to get a pretty good turnout—with the present economic climate in general and the unemployment situation being what it is, we were not surprised,” Kagel said.
The jobs available included positions in design, retail sales, retail management, production, marketing, patternmaking, graphic design, product development, sales, international logistics and customs compliance, buying, textile design, sourcing and operations.
Candidates were required to have two years of industry experience and a college degree.
“It’s a wonderful event for the candidates because they get an opportunity to have some personal time to get exposure,” said Kagel. “Where else are you going to see 30 of the top fashion, home and beauty companies in one viewing?”
Guess Human Resources Manager Robin Bass said the company frequently participates in job fairs and praised the turnout at the Career Expo.
“Our table had an overwhelming response,” she said. “We found a lot of applicants, from designers to sales assistants. In today’s market, we don’t really want to use headhunters, so this was a great opportunity.”
Bass said Guess is currently deciding to hire one of three candidates who applied at the Career Expo.
New York–based trade show organizer Job Expo International helped organize the event, which had a record turnout, according to Bradford Rand, president and chief executive officer.
“Most job fairs attract 300 to 500 people; attendance at our show was three times that––in excess of 1,500 professionals,” he said.
This was the first foray in the apparel and beauty market for Job Expo, which has produced job fairs for the technology, defense, healthcare and investments industries, Rand said.
Plans for L.A. version
24 Seven is currently evaluating when to hold another job fair in New York. The company also plans to hold a similar event in Los Angeles this fall.
“Virtually everybody that came to New York is game to go to California, so that’s very encouraging,” Kagel said. Demonstrating some of the positive response, he added, “Chico’s said: ’Sign us up. We’ll go wherever you guys go.’”
24 Seven’s Los Angeles office will coordinate the event. Kagel said 24 Seven will probably hold the event in Los Angeles but noted the company is also considering other West Coast locations.
“California is such a rich market that people are very anxious to come to the coast,” said Kagel. “We’re thrilled because of our presence out there. We think it could be a great event for California and the entire West Coast.” —Alison A. Nieder
