Raleigh, N.C. — The job fair is a sign of the times. In Raleigh Wednesday, Barry Brewer was among those keeping a positive outlook while waiting in line.

Brewer participates in a networking class at Saint Andrews Presbyterian Church where he advises other job seekers, “You tell every person you know, e-mail every person you know, tell your family members, give them your business card … There's nothing to be ashamed of.”

Brewer, who worked in commercial construction, has been out of work for four and a half months, but he stays upbeat. “Keep going after it, knocking on these doors,” he said. “There’s gonna be a position out there."

Vanguard Management Group, Inc., an Atlanta based company, sponsored the event at the Embassy Suites on Creedmoor Road.

“It's definitely overwhelming to not have a position right now,” Snyder said.

“I've been in sales, marketing and business development in commercial construction for 15 plus years,” Brewer said. “I was laid off back in November, so I am looking at other industries.”

“There are good days and bad days,” he said. He remains optimistic that the economy will turn around.