Job Seekers Connect With Employers At Tulsa Job Fair

By Jennifer Broaddus, The News On 6

TULSA, OKLAHOMA -- Thousands of Oklahomans are looking for jobs and many are turning to the Internet. While technology can be a great tool, some say it has its drawbacks.

"Most companies these days want you to go to the websites and apply," said Godwin Darko, who is looking for a job.

But among hundreds of emails, postings and forums it's easy to get lost.  That's why some job seekers headed to a job fair at the Southern Hills Marriott in Tulsa Tuesday.

JobnewsTulsa.com hosted the event that featured positions in everything from bus mechanics to physical therapists to engineers. It gave the jobless a chance to meet one-on-one with recruiters who have immediate openings.

Job hunters say the Internet is great tool but it's not the same as an old-fashioned hand shake.

"In emails you don't get to interact with people and connect with them," said Stefanie Comstock, a job seeker. "Here you get to talk to them and see their personality and see exactly what they are looking for."

While social networking may be the norm, it still doesn't replace meeting face to face.

"The job search market these days a lot of it's on the Internet and your ability to network and meet people is critical not only for your own state of mind to stay in the game and be visible but it's a nice break from Internet searching, " Mark Smith, a job seeker, said.