The event, which is being held at The Sage Gateshead on Friday 19th March, will bring together some of the biggest names in customer service and retailing in the region, including Care UK, International Paints, AA Insurance Services, the Northern Recruitment Group, Next and Iceland Frozen Foods.

On offer will be a range of full-time, part-time, permanent and temporary jobs to suit everyone's needs. Representatives from each of the companies will be on hand to give information and advice about finding work with their companies.

In addition, representatives of the three armed services, Newcastle College and The Gateshead Housing Company will also be present.

Staff from Tyne and Wear Connexions will also be available to offer one-to-one advice on employment and training opportunities.

Councillor Malcolm Graham, Gateshead’s Cabinet member for Economic Development, says: “We have been running these events for several years now during which time we’ve helped thousands of people into full or temporary employment.

“We know that events such as this really work and we know how important that is in the current economic climate. We hope that our latest Employment Fair will help to make a real difference to local people’s lives. “

He added: “Employers have told us that the successful candidates were those who came along determined to show themselves to their best advantage, and it’s clear that employers respond best to someone who has taken the trouble to show themselves at their best.

“So we urge people to come along to this year’s event, but not just to look for a job but to demonstrate to potential employers that you would be a real asset to their company.

"The Council’s Economic Development Service provides a range of support for jobseekers and employers looking to recruit, so anyone looking for help can contact them."

Gateshead Council offers these top tips for people looking to impress an employer:

Dress for Success – wear clean presentable clothing,

• Practice a Pitch - practice a quick pitch summarizing your skills and experience,
• Check Out Companies – pick up information on the company that may help you complete the application forms,
• Network – talk to other jobseekers. You never know who might be able to help with your job search,
• Show Initiative - shake hands and introduce yourself to recruiters when you reach the table. Demonstrate your interest in the company and their job opportunities,
• Be Enthusiastic - employer surveys identify one of the most important personal attributes candidates can bring to a new position as enthusiasm. This means that employers want to see you smile!
• Ask Questions - have some questions ready for the company representatives. The more you engage with them, the better impression you'll make.

Gateshead Council’s Employment Fair will be held at The Sage Gateshead on 19th March between 10am - 3pm. Admission is free and no appointment is necessary.