Events offer opportunties for those seeking jobs

Unemployment might be stuck at 9 percent nationwide, but the Twin Cities are faring better at 7 percent. Forbes magazine even cited Minneapolis as the best city in the country to find a job. That means local employers are on the hunt for potential hires -- so polish up your résumé and head to a few of these upcoming career-related events in the metro area.

Meet employers from a variety of industries at this general professional job fair. Employers typically recruit for positions in sales, customer service, retail, management, information technology, accounting, finance, insurance, human resources and more.

Info: Sept. 26, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Embassy Suites Minneapolis-Airport, 7901 34th Av. S., Bloomington. 815-308-5426; catalystcareergroup.com

Meet potential employers face-to-face at this open house-style job fair put on by Personal Strategies Inc., and sponsored by the Minnesota Workforce Center, Workplace Diversity, JobFinder and more. Hiring managers and recruiters from the manufacturing, health care, financial services and other industries will be on hand. Participants also can receive a résumé critique from jobs experts from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

Info: Sept. 28, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 2nd Av. S., Minneapolis. 952-595-4496, ext. 115;

psijobfair.com

The Health Careers Center at University of Minnesota arranges this annual event for students and recent alumni to learn about health-related degree programs and options for health care careers.

300 Washington Av. SE, Minneapolis. 612-624-4090; healthcareers.umn.edu

Conducted by Minnesota's Small Business Development Centers, these seminars offer advice for launching a new business. The workshops are held frequently across the state, covering topics like writing a business plan, meeting legal requirements and obtaining financing. To find a GATE seminar near you on a different date, go to mnsbdc.ecenterdirect.com. The workshop is free but preregistration is required.

Info: Oct. 3, 2 to 4 p.m., Central Minnesota Small Business Development Center Regional Center, 355 5th Av. S., St. Cloud. 320-308-4842; mnsbdc.ecenterdirect.com.

Students and alumni from 30 participating colleges and universities can pursue professional opportunities and internships in the nonprofit and government sector. This event helps candidates learn about working for organizations and government entities, from the American Red Cross and CommonBond Communities to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Info: Oct. 21, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Coffman Memorial Union Great Hall, Ground Floor, University of Minnesota, 300 Washington Av. SE., Minneapolis. 320-202-1831; mcucsa.org/govnonprofitfair

Info: Oct. 27, 7:30 to 9 a.m. Country Inn & Suites, 5995 Rice Creek Pkwy., Shoreview, 763-571-9781, twincitiesnorth.org

This recurring workshop gives job seekers hands-on advice for polishing their networking and interviewing skills. The nonprofit Minneapolis Job Support Workshop helps participants practice interviewing techniques and engage in role-playing exercises for networking while offering advice on social networking tools like LinkedIn. No reservation required but a $3 tax-exempt donation is suggested.

Info: Oct. 28, 10 a.m., Christ Presbyterian Church, 6901 Normandale Rd., Room 108, Edina. 952-826-7011; mjsw.org

A variety of employers will be available to meet and greet potential candidates, sponsored by Edina Realty, the Minnesota Army National Guard, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and others.

Info: Nov. 2, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Crowne Plaza & Suites