ALBANY - More than 1,600 college students looking for their first full-time job and seasoned workers caught in the economic downturn rubbed shoulders Thursday during the 31st annual Career Fair held at the Linn-Benton Community College main campus in Albany.

Joyce Muyanja is originally from Uganda, but has lived in the area for six years. In June, the Corvallis resident will complete a degree in health and human sciences from LBCC.

Muyanja hopes to pursue a career in mental health or counseling. She visited with Kimberly VanLoo of Samaritan Health Services, one of more than 50 companies represented at the event. That's down from more than 70 a year ago, according to event coordinator Marci Johnston.

Muyanja said her job-searching efforts have only recently begun.

"I'm just talking to people today," Muyanja said. "I would like to talk to someone from the Oregon State Hospital."

VanLoo works at Samaritan's North Lincoln Hospital in Lincoln City.

"We're here to market our five hospitals," VanLoo said. "We have a variety of job openings, everything from clerical to clinical positions. Our goal today is to help people understand how to apply for openings by using our Web site process."

The hospitals are in need of nurses, pharmacists and certified nurse assistants, VanLoo said. All are good paying jobs, she said.

There are seasonal job openings at the Home Depot stores in Albany, Corvallis and Eugene, said Sara Bewley, district human relations manager.

"The weather is turning and for us, our busy season is coming," Bewley said. "People start building things, working outside. We need cashiers, sales staff, lot attendants and freight team members."

Jobs pay at least $8.50 per hour and up to $10 per hour, Bewley said. Seasonal jobs can also be stepping stones to permanent positions, she added.

"I helped with interviews at the Albany store yesterday," Bewley said. "It's an employer's market. I'm surprised by the quality of candidates I interviewed."

Craig Ensey, 23, of north Corvallis, lost his job about a month ago.

"I have mechanical skills and am taking 11 credits in math, writing and speech at LBCC," Ensey said. "I'm looking for part-time work and hope to find something today."

Ensey's long-term goal is to work in law enforcement.

Ray Kopczynski was busy at the Oregon Employment Department table.

"What we're seeing are people who need to brush up on their resume writing or interviewing skills," Kopczynski said. "Some need to learn how to use a computer to apply for a job."

Kopczynski said a resume helps open the door for an interview, but the applicant must have the skills and the ability to impress an employer face-to-face.

To that end, the job fair featured a number of free workshops, including "Impressing an Employer in 60 Seconds," "Resume Writing 101," and "Interviewing Technique Secrets of a Good Job Application."

Several branches of the military were represented. Staff Sgt. Matthew Francis, an Army recruiter based in Albany, said interest was "great."

"When the economy turns sour, people look to the military for jobs and we have openings to fill," Francis said. "We offer training, a full benefit package and a good income that includes a housing allowance."

Francis said as the number of unemployed Americans has grown in the past year, the military has become pickier about whom it will accept.

"It's getting tougher for some kids who have a G.E.D. and not a high school diploma," Francis said.

Alex Paul can be contacted at alex.paul@lee.net or by calling 758-9526.