BY SAM GALSKI

The Great Northeast Job Fair is going virtual this year.

For two weeks beginning Oct. 6, job seekers will have 24/7 access to the online platform hosted by Times-Shamrock Communications (publisher of Access NEPA) and find out who’s hiring in northeast Pennsylvania, said Rebecca Reynolds, regional classified manager for Times-Shamrock.

The event gives employers a safe way to chat live with prospective employees without running the risk of being exposed to COVID-19, Reynolds said.

“It’s an awesome, safe way to job seek,” Reynolds said. “It’s almost like entering a virtual room where you can see the positions the company is looking to fill. Attendees can share (job opportunities) on social media or email. If a parent or friend sees a good lead for someone, they can send them that lead.”

People in need of a job and employers who are interested in reserving a virtual booth must preregister for the event at https://anywherecareerfair.com/thegreatnortheastjobfair.

When registered users log into the active job fair, they will be directed to a landing page that will showcase both advertisers and employers, Reynolds said.

“They can click on the employer and check out any positions they would like,” she said.

All available positions will be posted, whether they are part-time, full-time, entry level or professional. Job seekers can search by company or “category,” such as manufacturing, health care or logistics.

Some employers will have a live chat feature available, which will allow them to communicate directly with job seekers as they would during an in-person meeting, she said.

A link will also be available on the page where applicants can post resumes, she said.

Job seekers will receive email reminders about the job fair in the days leading up to the event, she said.

Reynolds said she has high hopes for the number of participating businesses. Events held in Greater Hazleton and Pottsville typically draw around 60 vendors.

Unlike the in-person events held in the past, the virtual job fair has no space limitations.

“We’re expecting the same, if not more,” Reynolds said of the vendors. “There are jobs to be had and tons of employers desperate for work.”

Those who are searching for a job can do it safely and comfortably from home, she said.

The event will run through Oct. 19.