JFCS's Career Development Center and Refugee and Immigrant Services offer first-ever career fair for Pittsburgh's immigrant and refugee jobseekers

Jewish Family & Children’s Service’s (JF&CS) Career Development Center (CDC), along with the Refugee and Immigrant Services Department will hold a career fair on Thursday, July 16th, tailored to refugee and immigrant jobseekers. The career fair will take place on the lower level of the Department of Human Services (DHS) offices, located at One Smithfield Street, Downtown. Two time slots will accommodate workers’ schedules; 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.

The career fair is appropriate for refugees and immigrants with legal status to work in the U.S. who have a minimum of conversational English through those with advanced English, professional skills and higher education.

“This career fair is a great way for our region’s employers to learn about the value refugees and immigrants can bring to organizations, and a wonderful opportunity for refugee and immigrant jobseekers who are ready for a step up in their careers to find higher-level employment opportunities,” said Leslie Aizenman, director of refugee and immigrant services at JF&CS.

Attendees can expect to meet one-on-one with recruiters for brief in-person interviews. Some of the region’s top employers will be represented, including UPMC, Giant Eagle, Children’s Hospital, Rivers Casino and more. Nearly 20 employers from a variety of industries, including healthcare, hospitality, financial services, manufacturing and technology, have committed to the event.

Immigrant jobseekers will receive assistance from on-site staff to help them understand how job fairs work in the U.S., as well as coaching them on how to present to prospective employers.

“While mainstream job fairs are open to immigrants and refugees, many are hesitant to attend. This job fair will hopefully build their confidence as well as build the comfort level of employers in hiring people with accents and from different cultures,” Aizenman said.

Attendees are encouraged to dress professionally, bring multiple copies of their resume and research employers and available positions beforehand.

JF&CS has helped thousands of refugees, including most recently Bhutanese, Burmese, Congolese and Iraqis, successfully resettle in communities throughout the Greater Pittsburgh area, as well as providing additional services including career services, social and human services and support. For more information about JF&CS’s services for refugees and immigrants, visit www.jfcspgh.org.

For more information about the Career Development Center and services for jobseekers and employers, visit www.careerdevelopmentcenter.org.