Youth around the Island can prepare for a summer job by attending the fourth annual Mercer Island Youth Employment Fair on Sunday, March 15, at the Community Center at Mercer View.

Students will have the chance to speak with local employers about jobs, apply for positions, as well as get information on how to increase their employability. Specifics will be offered in ways to get jobs babysitting or doing landscape work, among other career opportunities for students.

Cheryl Hudson-Manriquez, the family assistance and employment coordinator with the city of Mercer Island’s Department of Youth and Family Services, said that students should prepare a resumé prior to attending and have references in mind to fill out applications for open positions. Attendees are also encouraged to dress as if going to a job interview.

The event is sponsored by MIYFS, the MI Boys & Girls Club and the Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce, along with grant support from the Mercer Island Community Fund.

In years past, the youth job fair has had between 100 and 150 participants, according to Hudson-Manriquez. Teens and young adults, ages 14-22, are encouraged to attend.

Both paid and volunteer positions will be available at the job fair, and Hudson-Manriquez said most employers at the fair will have multiple openings.

Prior to the event, MIYFS will be hosting a series of workshops to help students prepare. The final of these will be held on Thursday, March 12, from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Boys & Girls Club, on how to get a job in this economy.

Hudson-Manriquez said that if students want individualized help before or after the fair, they should contact her.

“I am available all year long to assist students with creating a resumé or to review ones that they have put together. They can also call me to do practice interviewing or get assistance with their job search,” said Hudson-Manriquez. There is no charge for her services.

For more information on the Youth Employment Fair, contact Cheryl Hudson-Manriquez at (206) 275-7869.