On July 22, Corpus Christi’s Public Works Department hosted a job fair aimed at filling a variety of roles critical to maintaining and improving the Texas city’s infrastructure. The event focused on hiring for positions such as surface prevention, channel maintenance, foreman, underground pipe inspection, operator, flood control management and base restoration.

With on-the-spot job offers and an engaging setup, the fair proved to be a resounding success. It also provided a potential model for cities looking to address their public works staffing needs in the future.

The setup for the job fair was carefully designed to be welcoming, efficient, and community oriented. Held at a central location, the Corpus Christi Gymnasium, it featured multiple stations where candidates could interact with various department representatives, learn about the roles available and ask questions about the work in general.

Public works staff ensured the space was organized for easy navigation, with dedicated areas for on-the-spot interviews and networking to take place. By making the setup engaging and accessible, the city created an inviting atmosphere that encouraged participation from a wide range of candidates.

The event was also strategically advertised using a multi-platform approach to ensure a broad reach. From digital channels like Facebook and LinkedIn to more traditional methods, such as billboards, flyers and message boards at city hall, the team behind the job fair made sure the word was out.

“We had quite a lot of candidates show up for the event,” said Sabrina Perez, human resource analyst. “Even if they weren’t extended an offer on the spot, due to the high volume of candidates, they received interview invites for later appointments with many of the public works departments.

Initially the organizers weren’t sure what the turnout would be, but the results exceeded their expectations. The city was able to extend 23 on-the-spot job offers from entry-level positions to more specialized jobs requiring strong technical experience.

The job fair attracted candidates from all walks of life. From people brand new to the field to seasoned technicians, a diverse group of attendees showed up ready to step into the roles public works had to offer.

“We were particularly pleased with the range of experience levels among the attendees,” Perez said. “Whether someone was coming in with little to no experience or years of technical experience in their field, we had positions for all levels. Even the candidates who weren’t offered a position immediately had their resumes put on file for future openings.”

Perez emphasized the importance of a community-centered approach to recruitment moving forward.

“I think we have discovered that the key is to use multiple platforms to reach as many people as possible. We found that leveraging both online and offline methods, like social media and community message boards, helped us reach a wide audience.”

In addition to casting a large net for candidates, Perez recommended Corpus Christi’s decision to treat the job fair as a networking opportunity in addition to being a hiring event. “Even if there aren’t any immediate openings, having a pool of qualified candidates for future roles can help to streamline recruitment efforts down the line.”

The department isn’t slowing down after this event. It planned to attend other job fairs, including the Nov. 7 “Red, White & You” event at the American Bank Center.

The ongoing commitment to recruitment ensures that the Public Works Department will continue to meet the needs of the community.

Perez had suggestions for cities facing similar recruitment challenges. She summarized: “A well-planned event, thoughtful outreach and treating the fair as a long-term investment in community engagement, it can make all the difference in attracting quality candidates to critical public sector roles.”

The success of Corpus Christi’s Public Works job fair demonstrates the power of a well-planned, community-centered recruitment approach. By creating a welcoming, informative environment and casting a wide net through both digital and traditional advertising, the Public Works Department attracted a diverse pool of candidates ready to contribute to essential infrastructure roles. As Corpus Christi continues its recruitment efforts, its commitment to fostering a well-supported workforce stands as an encouraging example of how cities can effectively engage and invest in the resource of staffing.

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