EN-105 Feature: A Hum of Hope at Passaic County Job Fair by Safi Jamhour

"If someone walks out of here with a plan they didn’t have this morning, that’s a win." — Trade Union Representative

Job Fair attendee discusses with employer for potential hiring

The scent of freshly printed resumes mingled with the quiet scuffle of dress shoes on the gym flooring. On Thursday morning, the usually echoing halls of Passaic County Community College’s gymnasium were transformed into a hive of purpose.

It was just past 10:15 a.m. on April 17, and the job fair was in full swing. From construction companies to healthcare providers to scholarship programs, employers filled the space, each station representing a possible path forward for the jobseekers weaving between them. Most tables had clusters of visitors, resumes in hand, eyes alert for opportunity.

As the clock edged toward noon, the crowd had thinned slightly, but the tables were still staffed, and the conversations continued. Employers lingered, ready to welcome anyone walking in late with the same attention and openness.

This spring’s job fair, held at Passaic County Community College, welcomed both employers and employment seekers under one roof, providing a platform for new starters. With representation from trade unions, healthcare networks, transitional programs, and scholarships,

the event offered more than just jobs—it offered direction. Attendees included a diverse mix of young adults, veterans, and those seeking career change. Notably, there appeared to be more men than women moving through the fair’s booths, reflecting gender trends in certain trades.

“It’s about opening doors,” said a representative from a regional trade union, who was staffing a table promoting transitional programs tailored to youth students and veterans. “We get people ready for the real world, with real skills.”

When asked about his goals for the day—whether he had a particular quota of sign-ups he was hoping for—he shrugged with a smile. “I don’t know, the more the better,” he said, looking around the crowd. “If someone walks out of here with a plan they didn’t have this morning, that’s a win.”

Many attendees arrived early, some dressed in pressed slacks and button-downs, others in casual wear. Despite the variation in attire, the common thread was a sense of determination. Some came alone, others in pairs or small groups, scanning the room before approaching booths. Conversations buzzed with quiet questions about job qualifications, growth opportunities, and application processes.

“I just want to find something solid,” said one attendee in his early twenties, who declined to give his name. “I’ve been working retail, but I want a job I can build a life on.”

While job fairs are not new to the region, this year’s event felt especially vital to some. In a community still feeling the economic tremors of the post-pandemic job market, events like these serve as both resource and refuge.

There were quiet moments, too—jobseekers standing off to the side, reading brochures or rehearsing what they might say. And there was the hopeful, energized moments: a handshake exchanged, a resume accepted, a smile shared.

“It’s about connecting,” said one volunteer helping to guide attendees to tables that matched their interests. “Even if someone doesn’t land a job today, they might leave with a number, a next step, a little bit more hope.”