Saturday March 17^th in Ocean City, Maryland provides a unique opportunity to showcase both the consummate professional, and the fun-loving sides of one’s personality. This year the Delmarva Irish-American Club presents the 32nd Annual Ocean City St. Patrick’s Day Parade—the second largest in the state of Maryland. The parade begins at 59^th St. (heading south) at noon, and commences at the 45^th Street Village—which is coincidentally, just five blocks away from another big event—the Ocean City Job Fair. With both events happening on the same day, anyone who successfully secures a position will have even more reason to celebrate at the parade and festival, after.

A few blocks south, on 40^th Street, The Ocean City Chamber of Commerce presents the 27^th Annual Job Fair at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event is free for anyone seeking employment. Ocean City is bustling in the summer months—the driving industry of the area being the resort market. If you are seeking a job, consider all positions you may qualify for within the resort industry. Positions are available in nearly every business that must increase staff during the summer season, (and some year-round). These businesses and open positions include hotels, motels, waterparks, restaurants, bars, boardwalk shops, retailers, marinas, water sports, lifeguards, boating and many more. All in all, the Ocean City Chamber estimates that over 12,000 positions will be filled in 2012.

To ensure a successful job-hunting experience—and hopefully walk away with a position—bring copies of your updated resume, a list of references, and dress for the part you are seeking. While some employers may welcome seeing your fun-loving side—decked out in green from head to toe, deely boppers affixed to your head, Mardi Gras-style beads around your neck, and enough St. Patty’s “flair” to make you stand out in a crowd of thousands—wearing your post job fair attire is only suitable for a handful of positions. As a general rule, err on the side of caution, put your best face, and most serious and successful self forward, and dress to impress. Once you’ve secured that much sought-after new job, stroll the five blocks to the 45^th Street Village and rejoice at the post-parade festivities.

The festival at 45^th Street actually begins before the parade, opening at 10 a.m. Beer and food vendors await, as do plenty of folks celebrating the “wearing of the green.” The St. Patrick’s Day Parade itself features marching bands, floats, and general merriment. The 45^th Street Village celebration takes place until 4 p.m.

Happy job-hunting, and Happy St. Patrick’s Day, from Shorebread!