I came across two important events recently and want to make sure you know about them. These are tough financial times and local organizations are here to help. This is one of the many reasons I appreciate the Eastern Shore! There really are so many helpful groups, but I often hear, “I didn’t know about that.” In this age of information, sometimes important news gets buried in the onslaught.

If you are looking for work or looking for a better job, you need to know about this one.  A job fair with hundreds of openings in 65 different businesses is coming next week to the Centre at Salisbury. But wait, you think, you don’t have anything appropriate to wear to an interview! Put the Dress for Success Clothing Event on your calendar for THIS THURSDAY and, the bonus is that everything is completely free!

Wicomico County Partner for Families and Children, the organization that coordinates child and family services in the community, is hosting Dress for Success in collaboration with Wicomico Goes Purple, an organization that brings awareness and solutions to combat drug abuse. They have been collecting clothing through donations for the drive this Thursday from 1-3 p.m. at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center. (Also, if you have business clothing in gently used condition that can be donated, items will be accepted through Wednesday at the Civic Center.)

 Whether you need professional attire for an interview, your school career, or you’re starting a business, head to the event to find men’s and women’s clothing. There will be ties, pants, blouses, tops, shoes, anything you can use to feel more confident and dressing the part for the job you’d like to have.

The following Thursday, Oct. 5, at the Centre at Salisbury, is the 2023 Job & Career Fair from 3-6 p.m. This is one of the biggest job fairs and typically attracts 2,000 people. Sponsored by the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce and the Lower Shore American Job Center, the fair will provide job-seekers access to hundreds of jobs throughout Delmarva. Resume assistance will be available that day, free of charge, but if you’d like help ahead of time, contact the American Job Center. An updated resume can help set you apart among a sea on applicants!

These local groups exist to provide tools for people to better themselves. Take advantage of these opportunities and feel confident as you embark on the next steps of your career, whether you are starting out or have some experience.

 Remember the dates:

 this Thursday, Sept. 28 – Dress for Success,

next Thursday, Oct. 1 – Job and Career Fair.

Tips for Success when Job Hunting

* First impressions count.

* Be on time for interviews.

* Be neat and clean. Dress for success!

* Obtain references with names and contact information in advance.

* Have several copies of your resume, or the information needed to update it.

* Be truthful.

* Focus on your strengths and be confident.