DESOTO COUNTY, MS (abc24.com) - Hundreds of jobs are up for the taking in Mississippi. Dozens of businesses will be at DeSoto County's job fair next week, all looking to hire. Job seekers should start preparing now.
500 people were hired on the spot last year. For those looking for a job this year, organizers say come prepared to shine with resumes ready and dressed to impress.
"I'm desperate for a job," says Terris Nicholson, who travels to Desoto's WIN Job Center from Memphis searching for work. "Something with stability and more benefits, something that's reliable."
Nicholson says he'll be one of the thousands at next week's job fair at the Landers Center.
"It's tough right now," he says. But the fair should make it easier on those looking for employment. "Right now there are plenty of jobs available," says jobs center manager Johnny Eaton. Over 40 companies have signed up.
"We have companies that recruit anything from production workers all the way up through software engineers."
Next Tuesday people will have the chance to interview for multiple positions in one place at one time.
"There's a possibility you could be hired that day. People need to be prepared. You never know who's out there and who's looking and what they're looking for."
Eaton calls it a good time to be looking. "We're seeing a lot of activity."
Both DeSoto County and Mississippi's unemployment numbers are shrinking. "Mississippi is doing better than the nation."
The state's jobless rate is down almost 2 percent from this time last year. DeSoto County's is at 7.3 percent, the 8th lowest in the state.
"We're doing well compared to other counties in the state. I think it's a good indicator the economy is starting to look a little better."
The jobs fair is next Tuedsay, October 9th from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Landers Center. Eaton says it's not too late for employers to register.
If you'd like to see which companies are coming and what positions are available, visit
www.jobfairs.ms.gov/Pages/Desoto-County-Area-Job-Fair.aspx
