Employers from around the region will be on the lookout for new hires at the second annual Refugee and Immigrant Job Fair this Friday. The event seeks to assist new citizens transitioning into the American job market who may be unfamiliar with U.S. employment techniques.
“It’s a very western, American way of getting a job the way we do it here.So we will be helping them. We understand the cultural differences,” said Leslie Aizenman, director of refugee and immigrant services at Jewish Family and Children’s Services.
While language barriers are often the most significant challenge for applicants, Aizenman said the American process can also be confusing. Individuals may not know where to find jobs, how to apply online or how to interview.
“To shake the hand, to smile, to talk about yourself is not something that some people do in their cultures,” says Aizeman. “They get jobs based on who they know or their family circumstance.”
These cultural differences are an adjustment for some immigrants.
“I don’t know that they really like it the first time around.Over time, they do understand and they can see their reaction of people if they do smile at them and look at them,” said Aizenman.
Benedict Killang is an immigrant who has worked as an employment specialist at JF&CS for the past six years. He said agencies similar to JF&CS helped him get his first job in the United States.
“From that entry level job, we tend to progress and advance,” said Killang. “That’s the same thing that this job fair is all about.”
Since last year, the number of employers at the fair increased from 12 to 17. Aizenman said this can be attributed to an increased appreciation of refugee and immigrant work ethic.
“As Pittsburgh grows its number of immigrants, you’re going to see more acceptability and familiarity.”
The Refugee and Immigrant Job Fair will be held this Friday, July 8 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Allegheny County Department of Human Services building downtown.
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