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Don't miss National Job Fair & Training Expo

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It's the most comprehensive job fair in the country, bringing together hundreds of recruiters, career specialists and admissions officers from across Canada and abroad.

LINDA WHITE -- Special to Sun Media

The 15th edition of the National Job Fair & Training Expo returns with more of what job seekers love, as well as plenty of new features.

"I think attendance will be huge," says show organizer and president Daniel Levesque. "Our last event in the spring attracted 13,000 people and I think we will see just as many if not more this fall. We're well prepared for a large attendance."

Employers like Toshiba Business Solutions have been attending the event for many years and return because of the quality of candidates it attracts. "We (have) had tremendous success in attracting top talent (and) are very excited to attend again," says manager of staffing and employee relations Marilyn Melnick.

The event, held each spring and fall, is conveniently organized into four pavilions - Employment, Training & Education, Career Services and Entrepreneurship -- to help meet the needs and interests of any visitor.

The Employment Pavilion -- the largest at the fair -- includes Ontario, Saskatch- ewan, Relocation and Retail Recruitment Zones. For the first time, job seekers can learn about career opportunities in Quebec City, and Newfoundland and Labrador. The Government of Canada Recruitment Zone offers an opportunity to apply to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Thinking about returning to school to advance your career or launch a second career? Admissions officers will be on hand to discuss career trends and help you find a program to help you achieve your goals.

Learn about exciting opportunities to study and volunteer abroad, including hospitality, hotel and tourism management courses in Switzerland, Spain, China and Australia. The University of the West of England will be an exhibitor for the first time.

Fair goers can take advantage of a wide variety of free services, including the Resume Professional Assessment Centre, presented by The Career Foundation. New this year are helpful workshops visitors can complete while waiting to have their resumes reviewed.

The New Canadians Employment Consulting Centre, presented in partnership with ACCES Employment, is another favourite. During 15-minute consultations, immigrants learn more about the steps they need to take to begin their job search in Canada. Eighteen public presentations and 12 seminars will also be offered, all free of charge.

The National Job Fair & Training Expo began in 2002 with 34 exhibitors and continues to grow. This fall's edition will attract more than 150 exhibitors. Major event sponsors include the Toronto Sun, 24 Hours and Employment Ontario.

"Despite difficult economic times, there are great job offers out there and lots of opportunity to advance your career," Levesque says.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The 15th edition of the National

Job Fair & Training Expo will be held in Toronto on Tuesday, Sept. 22 and Wednesday, Sept. 23 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, North Building, Exhibition Hall C, 255 Front St. W. Admission is $3.95. Learn more at www.thenationaljobfair.com.

Watch for our comprehensive special section in the Toronto Sun on Sunday, Sept. 20. The 12-page guide is filled with tips and information you need to know before you go.

JOB HUNTER'S TOP 5 ... THINGS TO DO BEFORE YOU GO

5. Bring several copies of your resume. Make sure it is up to date and outstanding. If you have multiple job goals, prepare different versions of your resume, tailored to suit the needs of each company you are interested in.

4. Attach copies of your top three letters of recommendation to each resume you hand out.

3. Dress well, but maintain your individuality at the same time. Feeling comfortable with how you look makes a huge difference in your self-confidence.

2. Prepare a one-minute "sales pitch." You only have one chance to make that first impression, so it pays to be ready. Think about your strong points, your career goals, the company you are approaching and what you would like to accomplish within the company.

1. Wear comfortable shoes!