New York, N.Y. - During the latest Working for America recruitment fair, held at New York City's Madison Square Garden, U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Director Kay Coles James welcomed more than 15,010 candidates interested in federal employment. More than two hours before the recruitment fair began, people begin standing in line to get into the fair, and by the time the event started, the line stretched around Madison Square Garden.

"President George W. Bush is committed to creating a federal work force that includes only the best," said OPM Director Kay Coles James. "And, the only way we can achieve that is by reaching out to prospective employees - going to where they live. We must be vigilant, never neglecting to reach out to every qualified person in this great country. That's why we are in New York today -- to recruit the best."

In addition to providing job information and opportunities from over 40 federal agencies and departments, the New York City Recruitment Fair featured computer linkups to www.usajobs.gov, and provided individual interview areas for career assessments, on-the-spot hiring, and workshops on interviewing, resume writing and the application process. A special outreach to veterans also was included, including an educational seminar explaining veterans' preference.

In attendance at the Fair were the Chief Human Capital officers from several federal agencies, staff members of the New York congressional delegation, and alumni of the *Presidential Management Fellows program. The Fellows played a special role as "ambassadors," introducing federal job applicants to the importance of public service and participating in a panel discussion on how to get a job with the federal government.

"This recruitment fair proves that opportunities for federal employment do exist for the best and brightest this country has to offer," said James. "I am pleased that New York has welcomed us with such open arms."

The recruitment fairs have highlighted the federal government's many career opportunities and the varied fields of interest available to applicants. They also have showcased the government as an employer of first-choice and an equal opportunity employer.

Other Working for America recruitment fairs have taken place in Kansas City, Missouri; San Antonio, Texas; Tucson, Arizona; Denver, Colorado; Las Cruces, New Mexico-El Paso Texas; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Detroit, Michigan; Miami, Florida; and San Diego, California.

Special recruitment fairs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities and at women's colleges have taken place at Howard University, Washington, D.C.; Hampton University, Hampton, Virginia; Spelman and Morehouse Colleges, Atlanta, Georgia; Norfolk State University, Norfolk, Virginia; Trinity College, Washington, D.C.; Bennett College, Greensboro, North Carolina; Wesleyan College, Macon, Georgia; and the College of Notre Dame, Baltimore, Maryland.

*To view the Executive Order creating the Presidential Management Fellows program, please visit http://www.pmi.opm.gov/exorder.htm. For information on the program, please visit http://www.pmf.opm.gov/.