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Students show talents to potential employers

West Valley High junior Erika Dobler talks to Yoke's store manager Terry Gonser at the reverse job fair. The fair was an opportunity for valley high school students to be interviewed and provide resumes to local businesses. Dobler is interested in,
Jennifer Larue Correspondent
West Valley High junior Erika Dobler talks to Yoke's store manager Terry Gonser at the reverse job fair. The fair was an opportunity for valley high school students to be interviewed and provide resumes to local businesses. Dobler is interested in,

Job fairs are an opportunity for area employers to set up a display and solicit potential employees.

Last Wednesday at CenterPlace at Mirabeau Point, potential employees set up their own eye-catching displays to solicit potential employers. Called a reverse job fair, the event allowed for local high school students to show their stuff.

Seniors, with a few juniors mixed in, from University, Central Valley, East Valley, West Valley and Freeman high schools presented their résumès, a cover letter, and a list of interests on display boards. Ready with their computer-generated business cards, they waited to be approached by future employers.

Don Wold, general manager of Denny’s on Argonne, broke away from work for the event to check out the talent pool. Employees from Yoke’s, Albertsons and even the Spokane Valley Fire Department showed up to lend their support and ask and answer questions.

James Bowles, a financial adviser and a member of the Valley Chamber of Commerce who is on the education committee, interviewed the students and gave them advice. He said that chewing gum is a no-no.

On a scale of 1 to 5, the interviewers rated the students on their displays, personal appearance, attitude, eye contact, communication skills, and listening/answering skills.

“We’re trying to give these kids exposure to the job world,” said Gene Sementi, assistant superintendent of the West Valley School District. “They get to talk to a lot of people. It can be scary thing. Here, we can ease them into it in a controlled environment. Business volunteers really help make this event successful. The kids take it very seriously. They want to make a good first impression.”

More than 60 teens attended the affair. Their list of desired careers included photography, video editing, computer work, construction, mechanics, ironwork, landscaping, child care, cosmetology and business management.

Danielle Lawson, 20, a senior at East Valley, said she wants to be a receptionist. “I enjoy answering phones and being pleasant,” she said. She has gotten some experience at the Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce.

The students looked their best and, while some appeared a little nervous, they were eager and prepared to get to work. East Valley’s Kyle Hubbard wants to work in the trucking industry. “But right now,” he said, “I just want to find a job.”

Leah Lucero, special education teacher and transition and STAR program coordinator, has been a big part of the reverse job fair. She said the fair is all about business and education, specifically designed for students with special needs. “They’re students who need a little more support.”