Nearly two-dozen companies from throughout the region will converge at William Way LGBT Community Center next week to connect with LGBT and ally older adults seeking employment.
The SAGEWorks Career Fair will take place from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. March 12 at the center, 1315 Spruce St. The free event, first held last year, is geared toward LGBT and allies over 40.
“There is a lot of age discrimination in employment, so we wanted to create a place where people can come where they know we understand the clear need for this focus,” said Ed Miller, senior programs coordinator at the center. “We brought together employers, letting them know that this is a concern nationally and, locally, they’re coming here with an understanding of the issue.”
Miller said the list of participating companies has increased since last year’s inaugural fair.
“We tried to provide a nice range. We have hospitals, accounting firms, retailers, three of the major banks in Philadelphia, the Marriott, Comcast, Blue Cross,” he said. “Some job fairs might have just one focus on a certain type of employment, but we really tried to make this across the board, for people looking for something from entry-level to middle management.”
The fair, Miller said, will be more interactive than most.
“It’s going to be a comfortable job fair, with a relaxed environment where people can be themselves. Employers are encouraged to spend time with people, standing up and talking one on one, rather than just sitting there handing out pens. It’s a large community effort, with everyone working together for the same goals.”
In the same vein, guests can also take part in workshops. At 12:30 p.m., Bob Pileggi of Thomas Jefferson University will lead a workplace stress-reduction discussion, with tips on mindful communication for interviews and coworker interactions. At 1 p.m., regional economist Kara Markley will overview statistics about the local labor market, with advice on the most up-and-coming industries. And at 2 p.m. Ryan Paczkowski of Wells Fargo will lead a workshop on creating or sharpening a LinkedIn account.
“We wanted to make it a robust day and give people some tools they can walk away with,” Miller said.
While the career fair is a one-day event, Miller said community members and organizations are welcomed to lend their skills to future SAGEWorks programming, the center’s free employment-assistance programs for LGBT workers 40 and over.
“We’d love for community partners to come in and help us with the program: giving time if you’re an expert in résumé-building, helping present a program or volunteer to help with a mock interview,” he said. “We’re always looking for community partners.”
For more information, call 215-732-2220.