Job seekers and employers find successful results at Forward 2007

Having entered its seventh consecutive year, Forward 2007 received during this edition its oldest exhibitors, who have been coming back annually due to the positive outcomes they've received from the Forum.

The Lebanese company Advanced Development Management and Investment Corporation (ADMIC), which currently runs the Monoprix, BHV and Géant Casino operations in Lebanon, has been an exhibitor sine the inception of Forward.

ADMIC Human Resources Director Mr. Dominique Frangieh described Forum as an efficient vehicle to allocate people from all professional levels. 'Forward allows us to widen our database, do on the spot recruitment, and find people from varied career levels. The current brain drain is limiting our ability to find qualified people in Lebanon. But Forward is attracting the right people, especially new blood and that's what we are seeking' added Mr. Frangieh.

Emirates Airlines was also present at Forward 2007, looking to recruit Lebanese people for jobs abroad. Ms. Christini Kouza, Recruitment Officer-Cabin Crew, outlined the importance of being present at Forward.

'I think that we keep coming back to Forward due to the fact that we have achieved excellent results, recruited successful candidates, and on most of our feedback forms people have listed Forward as being the main source of contact with us.'

Engineering and architecture students and professionals were also abundant at Forward, visiting and interviewing with major firms as Erga Group, seeking candidates for Lebanon.

Erga Group architect Ms. Marie-Rose Hobeika said, 'We are looking for fresh graduates and for people who have job experience. From electrical and mechanical engineers to architects, Forward helps us allocate competent applicants.'

From an education perspective, FORWARD 2007 is also giving people an opportunity to get properly acquainted with the different branches and specializations in local and international universities and institutions, by communicating with professionals and benefiting from training or internship opportunities.

Mr. Victor Baaklini, General Manager of New Horizons, said that being present at Forward allows them to benefit from the Forum and for visitors to benefit from them. 'By being at Forward we make direct contact with and recruit our target as trainers, counselors and account executives. On the other hand job seekers benefit from our participation because we advise them on making a career change, knowing that everything today requires IT and computer knowledge.'

Job seekers at Forward varied from those freshly entering the job market to others who have had over 10 years of work experience.

Over 75% of the exhibitor profile comprises Lebanese companies who are offering a staggering one thousand jobs for Lebanon in the hope of providing better local opportunities and slowing down the ongoing brain drain.