Job seekers flock to work expo

(JP/J. Adiguna)

Thousands of job seekers attended a two-day job fair organized by Bina Nusantara (Binus) University, held at its campus in Kebon Jeruk, West Jakarta, on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The 12th Bina Nusantara Job Expo saw the participation of more than 80 companies including cigarette and automobile manufacturers as well as banks and members of the telecommunications and food industries.

"We help not only job seekers but also students to enter the workplace even when they are still in college," said Aloysius Bernanda, head of the recruitment service section of Binus Career.

Binus has been hosting the job expo, which attracts thousands of visitors, biannually since 2003.

"There are many opportunities to get a proper job. But the most important thing is to help boost job seekers' skills," he added.

Available vacancies at the Binus job expo generally include positions in the fields of information and technology (IT), administration and sales.

This time the event offered more than 500 vacancies. Seekers were able to fill out applications and be interviewed directly.

Entry cost Rp 20,000 (US$2) for the general public, and Rp 5,000 for Binus students.

Many attending the event are fresh graduates who have not yet had any real work experience.

"I graduated as an economics major this year and I want to work at a bank," said Indah, one job seeker.

Indah brought copies of her CV and photographs to complete her application, with which she applied to several prominent banks.

"This event helps me find a job because I know which banks have available positions," Indah said. (naf)