b'FOGHORNFOCUS: HUMAN RESOURCESVirtual Career Fairs Make Hiring PossibleBy Karen Rainbolt, FOGHORN Managing EditorHy-Line Cruises of Hyannis, MA, regularly hires maritime cadets to work aboard vessels such as Grey Lady III and Lady Martha. When the career fair at Mass Maritime went virtual, the ferry participated and interviewed and hired cadets for jobs they anticipate will be needed when pandemic restrictions are lifted.Photos: Hy-Line Cruises. A s of this writing, several stateslaid off and furloughed employees tovirtual career fair in late April after the are on the verge of openingget them back onboard is the first step.decision was made to cancel its annual up after mandatory shutdownMany PVA Vessel members also relyon-campus career event. Maryanne orders to minimize the spread of theon seasonal employees and new hires,Richards, Mass Maritimes Director deadly novel coronavirus. Even if yourso, finding these candidates should beof Career and Professional Services state isnt among of the first to re-open,a priority.searched for alternative solutions to chances are yours is getting ready to doBecause of shelter-in-place orders,the popular event that allow cadets to as soon as certain criteria are met. Willin-person interviews are not possible.explore career opportunities. you be ready?However, video conferencing capa- After looking at several options, On page 32, PVAs Eric Christensenbilities are excellent for conducting jobwe chose Jobs Connected to host our offers recommended protocolsinterviews. In fact, many employersfirst-ever virtual career fair, said from the PVA Safety and Securityhave been using this technology forRichards. The staff was very support-Committee to get the passengeryears as it is easy to set up and signifi- ive and offered excellent tech support, vessel industry back in the water.cantly reduces travel costs for job ap- which made the event go smoothly.These guidelines offer important tipsplicants applying far from the job site.Richards orchestrated the tran-for healthy hygiene practices, socialThe question is, where can you find thesition to the two-day virtual fair distancing, and personal protectionright candidates during a pandemic? and communicated with Mass equipment. This is crucial informationAn emerging trend that is espe- Maritimes cadets and the hiring and I strongly urge all vessel operatorscially helpful now is the virtual careercompanies, and was pleased to read Erics article, download thefair. This is an innovative solution forwith the number of participants. guidelines from the PVA website, andhiring companies to safely meet jobWe had more than 300 students who prepare your vessels accordingly.candidates interested in working in thesigned up for the event and close to However, physical preparednessmaritime industry while complying80 organizations interested in meeting is only part of the equation. Staffingwith stay-at-home directives.them, Richards said. your operation is another factor thatPVA member MassachusettsStudents included upper classmen must be addressed. Reaching out toMaritime Academy held its first-everwho are nearly ready to work in jobs 16MAY 2020FOGHORN'