DEAR JOYCE: Following my successful sales career of 20-plus years -- and after answering online ads from virtually all of the job boards and doing some networking -- I've been getting limited response to my search for new employment in this era of urgent economic challenge.

That's what inspired me to try the idea of looking for a job by having a job fair of my own and inviting my entire community. Your readers might enjoy reading about how you can take lemons and turn them into lemonade. -- Steve Kaye, Boca Raton, Fla.

What an impressive idea! Using his strong organizational, managerial and sales skills, Kaye recently set up a two-day job fair on the campus of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County. His cash outlay was minimal: A creative thinker and persuasive presenter, Kaye arranged to get the fair funded by local social service agencies.

The goal of the fair's impresario wasn't to stage a crowd scene, but instead to construct an up-close-and-personal connection event for no more than a few hundred people and some quality companies -- a setting where employers could get a handle on candidates' skills and competencies. Nineteen companies attended the community job fair.

A FEW DETAILS. After coming up with the idea, Kaye wrote and presented a proposal to area nonprofit organizations such as the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County and the Workforce Alliance of Palm Beach County. Each participating group enthusiastically suggested ideas that made his "business plan" even better.

The job fair, a two-pronged event, was free to all comers. The first day's program was held on a Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. Promoted in the community as a career information day, the program featured volunteer career coaches, who offered a number of candidate readiness programs. These included resume-writing guidance, interviewing tips, and advice on marketing crossover skills from one industry or career field to another.

Baby-sitting services were provided, and related subject experts, such as bankruptcy specialists, were available for consultation. Some 160 job seekers showed up.

The job fair's second day was staged about two weeks later, on a Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Approximately 400 people circulated among company exhibits and tables that volunteers helped to set up and break down.

The outcome of the community job fair sparked by Kaye: The final hiring count won't be complete for several months, but four attendees have already found jobs. Kaye himself is in talks with several prospective employers. Continued...