Looking for a job or interested in changing careers? Now’s your chance.

Last month there were 843 jobs available in Freeborn County, according to a job data tool called Wanted Analytics. Of those jobs, more than 700 were full-time positions. Those positions include everything from truck drivers and production workers to registered nurses, physical therapists and food preparation workers. The list goes on and on.

As Albert Lea and the surrounding area continue to focus on filling these jobs, we wanted to let you know about an opportunity available next week.

The Albert Lea Job & Career Fair will be from 1 to 5:30 p.m. April 12 at Northbridge Mall. Representatives from about 40 businesses will have information available on open jobs at their companies. The event is sponsored by Hy-Vee, Northbridge Mall, Minnesota Workforce Center, Cedar Valley Services Inc. and the Tribune.

Professional, health care and manufacturing positions are included. Thirty-minute workshops will be given at 1:15 and 3:30 p.m. on preparing for interviews and will discuss topics such as first impressions, interviewing skills and applications and resumes.

The job fair comes on the heels of a similar event for youth on Monday at Albert Lea High School. This event was sponsored by the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce, Albert Lea Area Schools and Workforce Development Inc.

We hope people take advantage of all of these opportunities if you are looking for a job. We encourage people both young and old who are considering a career or simply looking for a job to attend the job fair. These are also good opportunities for businesses to let people know of their openings and other information about their companies. Businesses looking to participate are asked to call Michelle DaVeiga at 379-9850 by 10 a.m. Thursday.