Despite frigid March weather, thousands of young Calgarians flocked to the Big Four Roadhouse at Stampede Park Thursday for the city's 27th annual youth hiring fair, highlighting the fierce competition facing Alberta's younger workforce.
The massive employment event brought together more than 80 employers offering part-time, full-time, seasonal and permanent positions to jobseekers aged 15 to 24. For many attendees, the fair represented hope in an increasingly difficult job market.
"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," said 17-year-old Ziyana Islam, one of thousands who attended the event.
AI Creates New Barriers for Young Jobseekers
Islam highlighted a growing concern among young Calgarians: artificial intelligence's impact on job hunting. She explained that AI-powered job platforms frequently direct her toward outdated postings, making her search less productive.
"You shouldn't use AI for your own resume," Islam emphasized. "Something you're going to represent to your employers."
The prevalence of AI in online hiring has made face-to-face networking events like the youth fair more valuable than ever, according to attendees.
"You're kind of competing with hundreds of other people for one position" - Ella Currie, 16-year-old jobseeker
Sixteen-year-old Ella Currie expressed similar frustrations with Calgary's competitive employment landscape. Despite speaking three languages, she has struggled to secure work and attended her first job fair hoping to stand out to employers.
"I'd be able to pay for gas, wouldn't be relying on my parents," Currie said about her employment goals. "I feel bad for just always relying on them, but it's like, I don't have any other way of making money."
Employers Acknowledge Youth Employment Challenges
Business representatives at the fair recognized the difficulties facing young workers entering the job market without extensive experience. The event provided opportunities for direct employer-candidate interactions that bypass some of the barriers created by online application systems.
The annual hiring fair has become Calgary's largest youth employment event, connecting thousands of young Albertans with potential employers across various industries and sectors.
This story is based on reporting by CBC Calgary. Original article available at CBC Calgary.