SOME 120 people found jobs on the spot at a career fair in Ang Mo Kio yesterday.

The fair, held by the Central Singapore Community Development Council (CDC), had 600 positions offered by employers ranging from government agencies and retailers to those in the transportation and food and beverage industries.

The eight-hour event also showcased opportunities for training.

Ms Charlotte George, centre manager for the CDC, had expected a turnout of 2,000 people but 6,090 showed up.

'It seems people are preparing themselves due to the bad economy and the best way to go in a recession is to get training, something we've always advocated,' she said.

In all, 60 per cent of the crowd were estimated to have made inquiries about training and skills upgrading.

Some 700 people attended job interviews. Apart from the 120 who were selected, a further 25 per cent of applicants were shortlisted for a second interview.

The worsening economy was on the minds of the majority of people The Sunday Times spoke to.

Ms Jane Lim, 56, sells vintage clothes online but has seen business slow down recently.

'I thought it would be good for me to have a secure job with a steady income,' said Ms Lim, who was eyeing an administrative job at the Land Transport Authority.

Mr Muhammed Taha, 25, has just resigned as a technician with a food and beverage firm because of pay. 'I want to find a job that will pay me more and then I plan to stick with it,' he said.

Employers were happy with the response yesterday. Said Ms Didi Yip, assistant front office manager for Hotel Re! @ Pearl's Hill: 'Now it feels like job-seekers are much more willing to take anything offered. They even don't mind working part-time as long as they can get a job.' The hotel is looking for kitchen helpers, wait staff and front-office executives.

One job-seeker got just the position she was looking for. Ms Ria Nur, 19, will start work as a sales assistant at shoe and accessory chain Charles & Keith on Tuesday.

She said: 'I was worried because I would have been in financial difficulty if I didn't get the job...I would like to keep it for a few years at least.'

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