While the employment rate in Los Angeles has generally declined since it peaked at nearly 14 percent in July 2010, there are still hundreds of thousands of people around the city looking for work. The current rate of 5.9 percent is above the national average (about 5 percent), and other major cities like New York (also about 5 percent).
That's where the 100,000 Opportunities Initiative comes in: the organization's goal is to hire 100,000 young adults between the ages of 16-24 by 2018.
In Los Angeles, they're headed to the Convention Center on February 11 from 9am until 4pm. More than 30 companies will attend to look for new hires, including food service chains like Chipotle and Starbucks, and hotel chains Hilton and Hyatt.
At the job fair, you can get help with your resume, practice interview skills and meet potential mentors. The website advises to dress professionally, like you would to any job interview.
If you still need convincing, there will also be free food—which that alone is probably worth the trip. To learn more about the coalition and the LA job fair, visit the 100,000 Opportunities Initiative website.