CORNELIA, Ga. — Jobseekers in Habersham and surrounding counties will have a chance to connect directly with employers next week when Goodwill of North Georgia hosts a New Year, New Job Career Fair in Cornelia.
The career fair is set for Tuesday, Jan. 14, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Cornelia Career Center. The event is part of Goodwill’s annual New Year, New Job initiative, a series of in-person and virtual hiring events held throughout January across North Georgia.
Employers attending the Cornelia event will be recruiting for positions in high-demand fields including logistics, health care, manufacturing, retail and skilled trades.
“The start of a new year is a powerful moment for people to reset their goals and take the next step in their careers,” Keith Parker, president and CEO of Goodwill of North Georgia, told Now Habersham. “By bringing this career fair to Cornelia, we’re creating a direct connection between local talent and employers who are hiring right now, while removing barriers that often stand in the way of employment.”
Goodwill officials said the initiative comes at a critical time for communities like Cornelia, where workforce gaps persist across multiple industries even as the state continues to see job growth. Employers have reported difficulty filling open roles while jobseekers navigate career transitions, layoffs and rising costs of living.
In addition to meeting with employers, attendees will have access to Goodwill’s career services team, which offers resume assistance, interview preparation, skills training referrals and job placement support at no cost.
“These career fairs are about more than filling open positions; they’re about helping people in communities like Cornelia find stability, growth and long-term career pathways,” Jenny Taylor, vice president of career services and chief mission officer at Goodwill of North Georgia, told Now Habersham. “By hosting events locally, we’re meeting jobseekers where they are and helping employers connect with motivated, prepared candidates.”
Goodwill of North Georgia has reported increased demand for its career and training services in recent years. From fiscal years 2023 to 2025, the organization said the number of individuals served grew from 43,146 to 53,700. During that same period, job placements rose to 24,595 in FY25, an 11.4% increase in one year.
“The growth we’re seeing tells a powerful story about both opportunity and need,” Parker said. “Employers need skilled workers, and people want meaningful jobs. Events like the Cornelia career fair help move individuals from a job to a better job, and ultimately to a career.”
Jobseekers are encouraged to bring copies of their resume, dress professionally and be prepared to interview on site. More information about the Cornelia New Year, New Job Career Fair and Goodwill of North Georgia’s free career services is available at goodwillng.org.
