"Hot Dogs for Hot Jobs" Job Fair Connects Holyoke's Job Seekers and Employers in Unique Outdoor Event
Holyoke, Mass. - Like pairing a hot dog with a bun, MassHire Holyoke’s annual job fair connects businesses with job seekers, helping both find the perfect fit.
“Hot Dogs for Hot Jobs” brings together employers and potential employees in a unique outdoor setting, giving the event a different vibe than most job fairs. It’s continually a popular option among businesses seeking employees.
“They love it,” said Cindy Gagnon, creative design specialist for MassHire Holyoke. “This is their favorite job fair. It’s outdoors, there’s music, there’s a good vibe and there’s hot dogs.”
The job fair is June 21 at Heritage State Park and runs from 1 to 3 p.m. The afternoon incorporates free music, raffle prizes, ice cream and (of course) hot dogs in addition to the possibility of finding a career. Employees can learn about job opportunities, and those wanting to hire can meet potential employees and showcase what their business has available.
In the past, MassHire Holyoke has used social media to build awareness attracting approximately 200 attendees. This year, they’ve added the Stand Out Truck® to encourage even more people to stop by.
Gagnon has seen the truck around town promoting businesses and events. “I just thought it was a cool concept, a good way to put out information about the job fair,” she said.
“I think it’s an innovative idea. It will hopefully attract people who don’t use social media,” Gagnon added.
Opportunities for the Community
Since its inception in 1996, MassHire Holyoke has provided free resources and programs to Holyoke residents, serving more than 6,000 people in 2023. The organization began as Careerpoint until the name was changed to MassHire along with similar career resource centers supported by the Massachusetts Secretary of Labor and Development. Both of the MassHire Holyoke locations help people acquire the tools they need to get a job.
Gagnon said most visitors are surprised at the variety of options for job seekers, recruiters and those already employed. “We have so many different programs. Somebody coming through an orientation for the first time, most of the time they can’t believe how much we have to offer,” she said.
The resource center has computers, copiers and fax machines, while the career center makes counselors available to answer any questions that have to do with a job search or education. Because the vast majority of resources are free, new members are asked to complete an orientation session.
The organization also supports employers by posting job opportunities, hosting job fairs and offering labor market information.
MassHire Holyoke offers training and workshops for those who are currently employed or are searching for a job. Programming begins at age 14 with a resume tutorial for middle school students. Other programs help those recently released from jail find work, programming for employees recovering from addiction and for those displaced from their homeland.
“We don’t turn anybody away,” Gagnon said.
A Step to Getting Hired
For those planning to attend “Hot Dogs for Hot Jobs,” Gagnon has tips to get the best benefit from the experience.
She suggests researching the companies attending the event through a list on the MassHire Holyoke site. Gagnon says job seekers should look at each company’s website to learn what these businesses do and consider which ones might be a good fit. Connecting with these businesses through LinkedIn is another way to show interest and learn more about an organization.
For those who haven’t already utilized the services or programs at MassHire Holyoke, Gagnon suggests they attend an orientation seminar and become members. It’s free, and members can then access multiple events and learning opportunities, or meet with a career counselor.
Most importantly, Gagnon says those planning to attend the job fair should prepare a resume. The resource center at MassHire Holyoke has software to build a resume, or members can walk in or schedule an appointment with a counselor to have their existing resume reviewed and critiqued.
The free job fair on June 21 is at Holyoke Heritage State Park (221 Appleton St,) from 1 to 3 p.m. All are welcome to attend.
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