Lindsay Wineinger, of Lawrence, center, talks about employment with Lawrence Memorial Hospital Human Resources Officer Lisa Kutait at the first-ever Community Career Connection, at Pinnacle Career Institute, 1601 W. 23rd St. in this June 2009 file photo.

Job seekers were taking a break outside the Pinnacle career Institute, 1601 W. 23rd, Tuesday as representatives from several employers had booths to let people know abut possible job opportunities were available.

Kevin Stewart figures he’s submitted up to 100 job applications during the past three months, leading to plenty of handshakes and a half-dozen interviews without a single employment offer.

But the former commercial sales manager isn’t about to complain.

Instead, he squeezed through narrow hallways jammed with other job-seekers during the first-ever Community Career Connection, an event to match employers and human-resources professionals with people who need help boosting their job searches.

“Never give up,” a smiling Stewart said. “Can’t give up. As bad as it looks now, things could turn on a dime. You never know when the bus is going to come, but it will come.

“Just keep networking. Just keep talking, applying. Eventually, things are going to come back up.”

The positive attitude proved pervasive during Tuesday’s event, which drew Stewart and dozens of others like him to Pinnacle Career Institute.

That’s where hiring professionals shared their expertise regarding interviewing tips, compiling résumés and cover letters, and even dressing for success on a budget.

They delivered the knowledge through one-on-one visits and standing-room-only workshops. Attendees ranged from those sporting jeans and T-shirts to others wearing suits and clutching leather binders.

“Your appearance may not get you the job,” said a note on the dry-erase board in Room 129, where experts were sharing wardrobe tips, “but it can keep you from getting the job!”

Gwen Denton, a human resources specialist for Douglas County Bank, spent much of the afternoon talking with potential employees. She estimated that about 30 stopped by during the first hour or so, with many of them picking up applications to be returned later.

The bank has two teller positions open, and she’s certain competition will be intense. A recent opening in account services drew 90 applicants — more than triple the usual number — plus another 30 or 40 inquiries online, including some from people with master’s degrees or other higher-level experience.

People just want work.

“You can hear their desperation,” Denton said. “You can see their desperation.”

A month after being laid off from her job as a financial risk manager a small firm in Leavenworth, Amy Hansen admits residing in unfamiliar territory. She’s never had to mount an extended job search.

“I’ve always found a job within a week,” she said.

Tuesday afternoon, Hansen managed to pick up a few leads as she moved through hallways and side rooms with purpose — stopping by to visit with employers that might need accounting or other assistance with financial matters.

“It’s not an easy thing to accept, because nobody’s hiring,” she said, still smiling. “But this is a great opportunity.”

About 300 people attended the event.