Hundreds turn out for 2025 Job Fair

7/28/2025 – An estimated 600 job seekers crowded the Marianas Beach Resort ballroom last Friday for the CNMI Department of Labor’s 2025 Job Fair, showing strong community interest in employment.

The event, hosted by the CNMI Department of Labor, featured 37 participating entities from both the private and public sectors, including 27 hiring employers and nine non-hiring government and educational agencies.

“On average, we receive about 700 applicants or job seekers every year. Right now, at this time at 1:22pm, we have roughly 600,” said Eugene Tebuteb, Director of Employment Services with the CNMI DOL, during the event.

Tebuteb explained that the presence of non-hiring agencies was strategic in helping job seekers build skills and prepare for future employment. “So these are government agencies, either full-blown government or semi-autonomous, that we've invited to help individuals better prepare for the workforce,” he said. “For example, we have the Workforce Investment Agency, we have NMTech, we even have education entities here—NMC, Saipan SHEFA. All of these individuals we've invited to better the chances of our job seekers landing that job.”

Tebuteb also commended the community's determination in braving the weather: “The size of the job seekers coming, regardless of the weather, really shows that, you know, there are individuals out there who are willing, ready, and available to find a job. People coming here to look for a job, despite what's happening out there in the economy, shows a lot about our people. And, you know, it goes without saying—we're a resilient bunch. I'm just hoping that employers give all of the folks that have come out an opportunity to be a part of their family.”

CNMI Department of Labor Secretary Leila Staffler also praised the turnout and the collaboration among stakeholders.

“We had high expectations because in our past events we've broken the 500 mark, so we were nervous about the rain,” said Staffler. “But the rain didn't stop job seekers...we really did see the community come out. I saw every age group here, generation represented. It's really awesome that so many different people, you know, want to look for work and came here looking for jobs that are available in the community that we have.”

She also emphasized the importance of supporting career development, noting that "brain drain is a big issue" in the CNMI. 

“So that's why we also have the education training providers here too,” Staffler said. “Because we do hear what people say—‘how can I get hired if I don't have experience?’ ‘How can I get hired if I don't have skills?’ We want to help people also find those skills. So maybe you won't find a job today, but we hope that you'll find that career pathway through the education programs that are offered…We're very happy with how many businesses signed up. We have representation from almost every industry—from construction to hospitality to education, healthcare—there's almost a different option at every table in the room.”

Among the participating employers was Docomo Pacific CNMI. Brand Manager Brent Deleon Guerrero told Marianas Press that it was the company’s second time joining the fair.

“I think what we've noticed is that this (DOL Job Fair) is very beneficial, not just for us, but also for the community,” said Guerrero. “As we saw today, there was a significant amount of candidates that turned out and showed up, and so what we see from that is there's a lot of people in our community who are looking for jobs, looking for an employer who they can trust, and hopefully a home where they can build a career.”

He added that Docomo came with three job openings and was pleased with the applicant turnout. “We're very grateful. We want to thank the community for always trusting us and showing up and supporting us as well...we wish all the candidates today a successful journey in finding an employer.”

A new face at the fair was Challenge Testing, an international company based in Alabama, and recently licensed to operate throughout the CNMI and Guam. Charles Coffindaffer shared that the company is working with agencies like CUC, BECQ, and USGS to upgrade and install water wells across the islands.

“We started with one [employee], and now we're at five, and we're growing every month. More jobs, more bids...we need bodies, we need driller assistants, we need welders...we're bidding on proposals that are 300-plus wells—that's a five-year job,” he said. “This isn't just a job for a year and then we're going to pull out and leave. This is a long-term investment in your future.”

Coffindaffer also said that during the fair, he was networking with other businesses participating, expressing that he and the company weren’t looking to compete with local small businesses but rather, were interested in potential local business partnerships. “It's not just about us. We want to build that relationship—in a way, pay it forward.”

Job seekers who attended the fair shared similar sentiments of gratitude and optimism.

“I've been looking everywhere for a job on this island,” said 18-year-old Alton Cruz. “Hopefully, I'll get hired now because of this place.” He described the event as “inviting.”

Joaquin Lizama, also 18, said he was searching for work ahead of his enlistment. “I'm just looking for a job that can help me until I get shipped off for the Air Force.”

For Juan Lorenzo, a recent Northern Marianas College graduate, the fair offered hope and a sense of renewal.

“Everyone's really lovely, they were kind and accommodating. And I feel as though events such as this are very important to really try and reinvigorate the CNMI after all the tragedy that we're trying to recover from,” Lorenzo said.

He offered praise to DOL: “I just wanted to say props to you, continue to do the good work. It's people like those at DOL that really continue to advocate for the working class and help people advance in society and really just make the CNMI a better place. I feel as though—what's sad—the CNMI is desperately in need of a revamp. We definitely need some young, new talent in the workforce. And I feel as though this is a wonderful opportunity for the new generation to break in.”

Report by Chrystal Marino