WRAL-TV CareerExpo Serves 3,500 in Raleigh

Over 3,500 hopefuls wait in line for WRAL’s Job Link Career Expo on Wed, Sept 23rd.

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It was 6am on Wednesday, September 23, 2009, outside the Raleigh Convention Center when David Ange took his place as the first in line. Ange was laid off after working in the trucking industry for the past 20 years. The line ballooned over the next four hours until it stretched the length of the convention center. Ange would be the first of 3,570 job seekers who would meet potential employers and participate in workshops at the WRAL Joblink CareerExpo.

Job seekers fill the Raleigh Convention Center for WRAL’s Job Link Career Expo.

More than 85 employers participated with 35 resource companies. There were HR reps teaching interviewing skills and resume coaching. There were career coaches and free workshops that included coping with the stresses of job loss, how to market yourself, advice for older workers and how to network using social media.

WRAL-TV VP/GM Steve Hammel said, “I arrived at the Job Fair prior to it opening. I saw VERY long lines of people who had concern in their eyes and hope in their hearts.  In talking with some of them, I certainly am glad we are all part of a station that is truly Here to Help.”

Thanks to WRAL-TV’s Shelly Leslie for this capcom story & these capcom photos.