Video: The Governor’s Job Fair

MATHISTON, Miss.(WCBI)—With Mississippi’s unemployment rate reaching six point six percent, job fairs like the Governor’s Fair could prove to be useful.

A job fair is almost like speed dating for companies and professionals seeking a job. Local employers gather in one place and exchange information with perspectives hoping to find a good candidate to join their team.

Torrance Ashford is a single father of two. For him having a job is a necessity.

” I have a house, I have vehicles I have two sons and everything like that animals to take care of. So a job for me is a must. I have to have a job,” said Ashford.

Ashford says he’s been actively searching for a place to work with little or no luck.

“It’s been up and down. I’ve been to a lot of different places and they give good information but to them it’s like another piece of paper that they file away so it’s been hard lately,”said Ashford.

The Enterprise of Mississippi Executive Director Lara Bowmen says they recognize the need for employment in the area and she hopes the participants as well as the community benefit from the fair.

“I hope that they see we have jobs available right here at home and that they could come and work with local employers that make such an impact to our community,” said Bowmen.

Ashford says his lack of a degree is presenting additional challenges.

” Even though I have the experience people are looking for a lot of people really just want that degree. It effects a lot because I can go fill out my application and I’ll have everything they want besides the degree. So they move on to the next person,”said Ashford.

However, Ashford says the Governor’s Job Fair has already put him at an advantage.

“I’ve met some guys in companies I’ve applied to that didn’t know I existed and now that they know I exist hopefully from seeing my face and hearing from me personally I’ll get a better chance at a job,” said Ashford.

Choctaw County’s Unemployment rate is set a 5 percent and Webster County is at just over 6 percent.