Two Illinois lawmakers want to help people find jobs. On Tuesday, Andalusia State Senator Neil Anderson and Savanna State Representative Tony McCombie hosted a free job fair featuring more than 50 employers. People brought their resumes and discussed job opportunities at Moline's Spotlight Theatre and Events Center.
Anderson says the job market is tight.
"Right now, we have some of the lowest unemployment rates in the Illinois Quad Cities that we've seen in a long time. So everybody's fighting for those good employees to fill the small spots that they have."
People took advantage of free workshops, covering topics such as interviewing techniques, how to get your resume noticed, and effective search strategies for state employment.
"Most people here are looking for skilled labor," Anderson says. "That's something that over the past couple decades, we kind of told people that you have to have a four-year-degree to be successful, and that couldn't be farther from the truth. We need those skilled laborers. We need welders, electricians, plumbers, pipe cleaners. So that's what people are struggling to fill right now."
Employers at the fair included state agencies, the City of Moline, Thomson prison, health care providers, manufacturers, retailers, non-profits, and many others.