Many came with hope, armed with resumes and wearing their Sunday’s best.
From recent high school graduates to jobseekers in their 50s, applicants filled the Hibiscus Hall of the Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan last Feb. 6 for the CNMI Department of Labor’s 2026 Job Fair, where more than 37 employers recruited across hospitality, telecom, accounting, construction, culinary arts, and even esports.
By 2:15pm—45 minutes before the scheduled 3pm closing—people eagerly looking for employment had already surpassed 600 applicants, putting this year’s turnout on par with the largest job fairs held in recent years.
Labor Secretary Leila Fleming-Staffler said the flow of applicants was steady from the moment doors opened.
“We've had a line since we opened...it's been constant flow too.”
Employers were stationed around the hall in a circular layout, allowing applicants to move booth to booth, submit resumes and, in some cases, interview on the spot.
One of the most talked-about booths belonged to Good Game Island, an esports venture operating out of Casa Marianas inside the Gold Beach Hotel. General manager Venus Hostaky said the company is building a competitive gaming platform on Saipan.
“We are hiring a minimum of 24 people to play video games here on the island.”
By mid-event, interest was already high.
“Oh my goodness, we've probably given out 150 applications already.”
Hospitality recruiters also reported brisk traffic. Mike Pascual, representing Pacific Islands Club Saipan, Coral Ocean Resort, and Kensington Saipan, said dozens had applied for bartenders, club mates, and other resort-based roles, along with new tourism-oriented positions.
“For now, maybe 20 for club mates and bartenders.”
“And maybe more than 50 for Coral Ocean and 20 for Kensington.”
He also said they’re looking for new positions like camp farmers for tourists.
“We're opening a new job [it’s for] teaching and showing our tourists how our local farmers plant their vegetables and fruits. And we're showing it in a hotel.”
At Plumeria Steakhouse and affiliated ventures, general manager Steve Jang said expansion plans are moving forward.
“We have a lot of job openings right now,” he said. “I'm on the verge of opening up a restaurant right now.”
In the professional services sector, Cedric Torres of Burger Comer & Associates said the firm is seeking accountants and auditors.
“The job fair is actually great. I'm surprised there are a lot of people looking for jobs,’ he said, adding that they’ve entertained seven applicants so far.
Docomo Pacific also recruited for call center operations. Brand manager Brent Deleon Guerrero said positions are open in customer service and technical support.
“We have customer service positions and technical support position for our call center,” he said. “We're looking forward to meeting a lot of the people here who are interested in working for Docomo and finding them a new home.”
Workforce training was also highlighted. Aaron Tomokane of Northern Marianas Technical Institute promoted courses in construction trades, automotive technology, and culinary arts tied to internship requirements and employment pathways.
“So we're here today to promote our courses and try to educate people more that you're more than guaranteed a job after you complete your internship hours when you take a course NMTech.”
On the applicant side, many welcomed the chance to directly connect with employers. Keahie Manglona said he had already submitted nine applications.
“I've applied for nine jobs, and I'm hoping I can get an interview.”
Being a first-time jobseeker, Manglona said he just wants an opportunity to prove his worth.
“There are a lot of job openings, but most jobs need experience. And it's really hard to get a job, so this is the best opportunity for you to tell people about what you are and what you do.”
Another first-time attendee, Jema Igua, 23, said she had visited about 10 booths and was open to administrative or customer service roles.
“Honestly, I'm looking for anything admin-related or even customer service.”
As the event wound down, Fleming-Staffler offered straightforward advice for applicants hoping to stand out among hundreds of resumes.
“Follow up consistently...Call them once a week and until they say, ‘I'm sorry, that position is filled,’ check and follow up on it because you never know.”
In short, persistence is key.
“They might say, ‘Wow, that guy's been calling me, like, every week for the last two weeks. I think I should give him a chance,’” Fleming-Staffler said,
Share this article
