BY: NICHOLAS GUMBS
Brooklyn job seekers gathered Tuesday at the Fall Central Brooklyn Career Fair, where employers offered information about opportunities in healthcare, public safety, education and transportation. The New York State Department of Labor, central Brooklyn elected officials, and Brooklyn Public Library, sponsored the fair at the Central Library at Grand Army Plaza on Tuesday, October 6. More than 25 employers and organizations participated, connecting residents with recruiters and career resources.
Representatives of elected officials also highlighted the broader economic challenges facing Brooklyn residents. Athena Moore, district director for U.S. Rep. Yvette D. Clarke of New York’s Ninth Congressional District, said the fair was intended to connect residents with employers, training programs and community resources. “Our communities have been recently suffering tremendous job loss,” Moore said.
Moore identified rising living expenses and the loss of positions traditionally available to lower wage workers as significant challenges. She said organizers wanted to provide a broad selection of employers from government agencies, nonprofit organizations and private businesses. “We wanted to make sure that there was a wide, comprehensive variety of employers here,” she said. Moore encouraged job seekers to update their resumes, maintain professional connections and remain persistent even when immediate opportunities are unavailable. “Don’t be discouraged,” Moore said. “We have to continue to elevate and uplift ourselves.”
Although Moore emphasized the importance of connecting residents with employment opportunities and encouraging them to remain hopeful, job seekers at the fair revealed the challenges many face in securing work. From recent high school graduates entering the workforce to individuals seeking financial stability for their families, attendees shared their hopes for the future and the barriers standing in their way. Cam, a recent high school graduate attending his first career fair, said finding work has been difficult as he explores opportunities related to his interest in engineering. “Looking for a job is a job,” He said. “You have to be consistent. You have to be disciplined.”
John, who has approximately one year of retail experience, shared similar frustrations while searching for a beginner job in a security position. “It’s really rough trying to find a job, especially when you’re entry-level,” he said. He said one employer required five years of experience, leaving him unable to qualify. Despite the setback, he remained optimistic about finding work that would allow him to help his mother with household expenses.
Experience requirements were also a concern for Deandria, who is completing a master’s degree in public health. “A lot of people are looking for three to five to seven consecutive years of experience,” she said. Deandria explained that securing employment would help her support her grandmother and younger cousin, who recently began college.
Another attendee, Jordan, described difficulties finding suitable employment because of a lower back condition and competition from other applicants. Jordan said earning an income would help the family pay rent.
While attendees spoke about challenges to finding employment, recruiters highlighted available positions and pathways into different industries. Lieutenant Brown, representing the New York City Department of Homeless Services Police, said the agency was recruiting special officers to work within the city’s shelter system. According to Brown, applicants need U.S. citizenship, a driver’s license and a high school diploma, but a college degree is not required. Recruits receive training through an academy. “A lot of people feel that, oh, because it’s law enforcement, you have to have college, which is not necessary for DHS Police,” Brown said.
Meanwhile, Nursing Personnel, a home healthcare agency, was seeking qualified home health aides and personal care aides to assist elderly individuals and other clients requiring care. “We have jobs out in the field, we just need the people with their degrees,” a representative said.
In aviation, Nick Santana, a recruiter with Envoy Air, said the company was hiring for customer service and ramp positions at John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport. Santana emphasized that applicants should follow up after submitting applications and arrive prepared and on time for interviews.
Professional Transit representative Adam said the company was recruiting commercial drivers and offering eligible applicants a pathway toward obtaining a commercial driver’s license. Adam encouraged job seekers to take advantage of free community resources and pursue additional qualifications. “Don’t be scared to take yourself to that next step and utilize the resources that are available to you,” he said.
New York Edge, an organization providing after-school programming, was also seeking staff for Brooklyn programs. A representative said the organization particularly needed activity specialists with skills in art, science, sports and writing. He encouraged applicants to bring resumes, research employers and clearly express interest during interviews.
The fall fair followed a May 5 event that attracted more than 1,000 attendees, according to organizers. Official attendance figures and hiring outcomes for the October event have not been confirmed. Although the fair offered no guarantee of employment, it provided residents with opportunities to speak directly with recruiters and explore new career paths. For job seekers hoping to support their families and achieve financial independence, those conversations represented a possible first step toward greater stability.