Over 30 employers set up booths on Thursday with candy, smiles, strong handshakes and available work information for prospective new hires during the spring Career Expo and Job Fair.

Law major Oswaldo Alvarez spoke to several booths hoping to land a job in one of the law enforcement agencies attending the fair. “I spoke to the Police Department and the Fire Department. Most of the applications are online.

“It was good to be here because they told me more about the hiring process.”

Mary Kay Cosmetics needs 500 individuals to be interviewed by May 31.

“I am open to talk to everybody and anybody that is willing to talk to me,” Mary Kay representative Holly Noble said.

“We offer something a little bit different than a traditional work schedule.”

Undecided major Hugo Salazar is only looking for a part time job rather than a career. “I came with a resume, but I came just to see what is out here. I just need a pay check.”

Senior Officer Alma Cruz would like to encourage prospective employees to consider a career with college campus law enforcement, “We’re able to deal with younger people and we’re more able to mold them. So if they’re on a questionable path, we have the opportunity to help turn them around. Our job is very rewarding. You have to love kids.”

Magno Portilla, automotive major, wants a flexible job while he works on his career goal in college. “The economy is tough. I had a job and got laid off. I just wish the job fair had a little more automotive employers here, but it was good. It wasn’t a waste of time.”

Despite the occasional rainfall, would-be employees braved the elements in the hopes for sunnier days with a career that would stabilize their lives as well as stabilizing this countries economy.

Brittany Jackson does not attend Cerritos College but heard about the job fair through job training with the L.A. County of Education.

Jackson went to the job fair seeking employment in the medical field.

“They didn’t have applications here but I had a chance to turn in my resume. Most employers want you to go into their place of business to apply.”

He also adds, “I spoke to around five prospective employers. Today’s event helped me out.”

Cerritos College offers job seekers a winning edge, with resume workshops and “how to dress for the job” workshops, as well as through the Cerritos College Career Services Center.