The Department of Human Resources’ (DHR) Jobs Task Force Committee is hosting a Job Fair Wednesday from 9 a.m. until noon and the Selma Convention Center.

The event is a mainstay for the department, which has hosted the fair annually for more than 20 years, and Program Supervisor Patricia Thomas is confident this year’s event will live up to its earlier successes.

“We have a vast array of people coming,” Thomas said. “It’s a very good opportunity.”

In previous years, between 20 and 30 employers have attended the event and between 150 and 300 job seekers have turned out to take part, but Thomas said turnout is usually directly related to external conditions, such as the current job market.

“Even on rainy days, we haven’t had less than 150 show up,” Thomas said.

Thomas said that 32 businesses have confirmed that they will take part in this year’s event, including Bush Hog, Vaughan Regional Medical Center, Walmart, Montgomery Job Corp, Regions Bank and many others.

“A lot of times, people say there are no jobs in Selma,” Thomas said. “There are jobs here in Selma and Dallas County.”

In addition to having the opportunity to meet with potential employers, job seekers will learn how to make themselves more marketable to employers and businesses looking to hire new workers will have the opportunity to interact one-on-one with potential new hires.

Additionally, Wallace Community College – Selma (WCCS) and others will be on hand to give job seekers tips on drafting a quality resumé, achieving the skills and qualifications required by some employers and earning a GED.

“We at least want to give our participants information on what jobs are out there and how to apply for a job,” Thomas said. “It’s a good opportunity for our job seekers and our employees. It’s a win-win.”