By Gerardo R. Partido
Variety News Staff

THE University of Guam is holding its biggest ever job fair today at the UOG Fieldhouse, with many local and off-island companies participating.
Organized by the UOG Career Development Office in coordination with the Guam Department of Labor, the job fair features the biggest number of employers yet.
According to UOG career placement officer Leah Beth O. Naholowaa, about 40 employers are participating in today’s job fair — a record number.
“We have more employers looking for qualified employees to position themselves in the expected economic expansion that will be brought on by the increase in the military’s presence,” Naholowaa said.
The employers range from hospitality industry companies like Alupang Beach Club, Fiesta Resort, and Guam Plaza to financial companies like Bank of Guam, Citibank and Wells Fargo as well as media companies like Sorensen Pacific, In-House Creative and the Marianas Variety.
The government of Guam is also well represented with the Guam Memorial Hospital, Serve Guam, and the Guam Waterworks Authority.
Naholowaa said a number of off-island companies and federal organizations are likewise participating including Hilton Grand Vacations Club, NCL America, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives.
Even the military is joining the job fair with the U.S. Coast Guard, Naval Facilities Marianas, Andersen Air Force Base, and the U.S. Navy all looking for additional personnel.
But perhaps the most eagerly awaited company is Home Depot, which is planning to open this holiday season, and is looking at hiring 200 rank-and-file employees, in addition to local managers.
“We’re all set. All the off-island employers are here and everybody is looking forward to this job fair,” Naholowaa said.
She added that the response from employers has been overwhelming. “In fact, we still have employers who want to participate. But we had to turn them down due to lack of space,” Naholowaa said.
The UOG Career Development Office also has a booth in the fair to provide career counseling for the applicants.
To the prospective applicants, Naholowaa’s advice is to dress appropriately.
“Dress as if you are coming to a job interview because interviews and actual hiring can be done on the spot during the job fair,” she said.
The job fair, which was originally organized to help UOG students, has been opened up to the whole community because of its growing popularity.
The job fair starts at 9 a.m. and ends at 6 p.m.