In an era of online job applications, Natomas Unified School District took a different tack Wednesday with a Classified Job Fair that attracted more than 180 candidates to meet District officials, present their resume in person, and perhaps get an interview – maybe even a tentative job offer – on the spot.
NUSD was recruiting for more than two dozen classified positions, including food service assistant, clerk, playground assistant, bus attendant, kindergarten aide, Special Education instructional assistant, plumber and master carpenter. The District also was looking for potential substitutes for jobs ranging from custodian to bus driver.
Francilla Cordova was offered a job as food service assistant – subject to security clearance and other prerequisites – within an hour of her arrival at the job fair, which was held in NUSD’s Ed Center board room.
“It’s amazing,” Cordova said, smiling. “I’m excited and nervous.”
Rooms were set aside in the Ed Center for District officials to interview top candidates they wanted to hire immediately. Other qualified job seekers had their names placed on lists for follow-up in the near future.
Some applicants came with a specific job in mind, while others were checking out their options.
“I’m looking to make a bit of a career change, so I came to see what (NUSD) had to offer,” said one applicant, Rebecca.
Brittney Patterson hoped to get hired as an instructional assistant for Special Education or mainstream students. “I just want to make a difference in their lives,” she said.
Ashley Morrow, who was seeking a job as instructional assistant, said she appreciated the face-to-face interaction with NUSD officials. “I feel it’s more interpersonal,” she said. “You get to meet and leave an impression.”
Arletta Phelps also gave the process thumbs-up. “Online all you see is my resume, like everybody else’s,” said Phelps, an applicant for food service assistant. “But when you see me, you see my passion, my commitment … My personality comes through.”
