A chill in the air on Thursday did little to deter thousands of determined young Calgarians from converging on the Big Four Roadhouse at Stampede Park for the city's 27th annual youth hiring fair. The event, one of the largest of its kind in Calgary, saw more than 80 employers set up shop to connect with job seekers aged 15 to 24, offering a range of part-time, full-time, seasonal, and permanent positions.
For many attendees, the fair represented a crucial opportunity to step out from behind the anonymity of a computer screen and make a direct, personal impression on potential employers. It was a tangible sign of hope in what many describe as an increasingly difficult environment for those just starting their careers.
Seventeen-year-old Ziyana Islam was among the thousands navigating the bustling aisles. "I have been looking for a job for like eight months, and it has been pretty rough, but I still didn't give up hope," she said. Islam highlighted a significant modern challenge in job hunting: the prevalence of artificial intelligence in online hiring processes. She noted that AI-driven systems have frequently directed her to old or expired job postings, making her search feel fruitless. The ability to meet employers in person, she explained, is a huge advantage.
Islam also voiced concerns about the growing trend of using AI to generate resumes and cover letters. "You shouldn't use AI for your own resume," she said, emphasizing that a resume should be an authentic representation of oneself to an employer.
Digital hurdles and personal connections
The sentiment of frustration with the current job market was shared by many. Sixteen-year-old Ella Currie, attending her first-ever job fair, said she hasn’t been feeling confident about her employment prospects. "You're kind of competing with hundreds of other people for one position," she said. Currie, who speaks three languages, expressed bewilderment at her struggle to find work.
For Currie, landing a job would mean a significant step toward independence. "I'd be able to pay for gas, wouldn't be relying on my parents," she said. "I feel bad for just always relying on them, but it's like, I don't have any other way of making money." Her hope was that the in-person interactions at the fair would help her stand out from the crowd of digital applicants.
The challenges faced by Islam and Currie reflect a broader trend where automated systems filter countless applications, often overlooking qualified candidates who don't fit a rigid set of keywords. This digital gauntlet makes it difficult for young people with limited formal experience to showcase their potential, personality, and transferable skills.
Employers eager for face-to-face interaction
The benefits of the hiring fair flow both ways. Employers, too, find immense value in putting a face to a name. Cameryn Hathaway, a manager at the downtown steakhouse Saltlik, acknowledged the difficulties young people face. "Entry level positions, especially going into the hospitality industry, are essentially what we need to start getting people in the door," she said.
Hathaway emphasized that for these roles, personality can often trump a lengthy resume. "Confidence is key," she noted, adding that "even if you don't have the experience, we're pretty easily convinced with a good personality and a smile." This perspective is often lost in online screening, where an algorithm cannot gauge enthusiasm or interpersonal skills.
With major events like the Calgary Stampede just a few months away, many businesses like Saltlik are ramping up their hiring. Hathaway revealed that while about 80 per cent of their hiring typically happens through online platforms like Indeed, meeting candidates in person is invaluable. "Meeting people, getting the time to like shake hands and actually put a face to the name, is actually super, super helpful," she said.
The opportunities extended well beyond hospitality, with employers from sectors including healthcare, recreation, and trades all present and actively recruiting for the city's diverse and growing economy, which includes many attractions and activities.
A challenging economic landscape
The anxieties of young job seekers are rooted in stark economic realities. According to the latest data from Statistics Canada, the national youth unemployment rate climbed to 14.1 per cent in February, a significant figure that underscores the competitive environment. The broader Canadian economy lost 84,000 jobs that month, pushing the overall unemployment rate up to 6.7 per cent. For young people, this translates to more competition for every opening.
Hardeep Seeghat, a community liaison with the City of Calgary’s Youth Employment Centre, which organizes the fair, confirmed the tough conditions. She stated that the event provides a vital platform for direct connection in a crowded field.
It is very, very competitive for youth, and they have navigated a very challenging job market, but that doesn't mean that there are not opportunities right now. Although it's competitive, it just means that there's may be additional prep work that is now required.
Seeghat explained that the ability to have a one-on-one conversation gives young applicants a "leg-up." Beyond the annual fair, the Youth Employment Centre offers year-round resources, including individual support and training to help young Calgarians build the skills they need to succeed. This ongoing support is critical for navigating a market that demands more preparation than ever before. More information on business developments can sometimes be found in publications like the SoHo Weekly News.
As the doors of the hiring fair closed, the thousands of attendees left with new leads, fresh connections, and perhaps a renewed sense of optimism. The event served as a powerful reminder that while the job market is challenging, dedicated resources and the enduring power of a simple handshake continue to create pathways to employment.
