HUNDREDS of people looking for a new job or change in career flocked to The Gazette Jobsfair.

The event, held in association with Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, attracted jobseekers from across north Hampshire and further afield, took place at The Anvil on Tuesday.

Dozens of positions were up for grabs at companies including the likes of GAME, Barchester Healthcare, which runs St Thomas’ Care Home in South View, along with recently launched St Michael’s Home Care, Busy Bees, Scope and Nurse Plus.

Staff from these companies were on hand to offer advice and discuss up and coming opportunities, along with free seminars and one-to-one advice clinics.

And many firms reported that they were able to set up interviews with promising candidates.

As well as the employer stands, staff from the National Careers Service were on hand to give jobseekers advice on writing CVs, effective job searches and interview techniques.

Careers advisor Kerry Wiggins was especially pleased with the turnout for her interactive interviews skills workshop.

She said: “We had a great bunch of people who participated and contributed with all sorts of questions.

“We always love the Gazette Jobsfair because it is well organised and really well run and we get an interesting cross section of the community coming to see us.

Mrs Wiggins said the National Careers Service is staffed by highly qualified careers advisers who are there to help.

“We believe that everybody should come to see us, whether they are out of work or those who are thinking about more training or looking at a career change.”

Dariusz Motyka, who is the registered manager of St Michael's Home Care, which is a new business that aims to raise funds for St Michael’s Hospice through its paid for services, was delighted with the fair.

He said: “The day has been fantastic. I have met some wonderful people.

“Some of them said they were looking for a career change and wanted to do something worthwhile.”

Keen to find carers to join his team, Mr Motyka said: “I am looking for people who are caring, who have the right attitude towards looking after others.”

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council HR officer Rachael Hopkins said: “The fair has been very good.

“We’ve seen a steady flow of people coming through who have come to talk to us.

“We’ve used this chance to promote job opportunities at the council encourage people to follow our us on Twitter @BasingstokeGovCareer to find out more.”

Emily Pye, who is a casual resourcer at growing video games retailer GAME had a busy day with her colleague Michelle Elmer.

Based at the firm’s head quarters in Telford Road, in Houndmills, Basingstoke, she said: “We are recruiting for casual and fixed term operatives to help out at our warehouse.

“It’s been a really good day – it’s been a good use of our time.

“We’ve had a really good response and have booked people in for job interviews. In fact e are very pleased with the calibre of people we have seen today.”

Jobseekers had a good word to say about the fair too.

Among them was Christina Erskine, 24, from Silverdale Road, in Tadley, who currently works as a barista for Costa Coffee.

She said: “It’s been very useful and there has been a good variety of exhibitors.

“I’m looking to see what’s available. Unfortunately, where I work, I’m not able to get all the hours I need at the moment, so it’s a matter of finding a more secure job.”

Pharmacy technician Linda Wake, from Oakley.

The 52-year-old said: “I am doing a locum work at the moment with an agency, which means I travel a lot.

“But now I am something more local and I just want to get back into working with a team.

“I am looking for new opportunities and I want a career change.

“I just fancy the idea of doing something in a new environment and new organisation. I was impressed with what I saw at the St Michael’s Home Care stand.”

Gazette Newspapers advertising manager Tessa Reid said: “The day went very well.

“The feedback we got from the exhibitors was that it was worthwhile being there. It proved to be an ideal opportunity for jobseekers to come in and meet prospective employers in a more informal environment. We’re already planning for a similar event next year.”