Hundreds of jobseekers visited the Fairmont Hamilton Princess today to seek positions within the hospitality industry.The 2012 Hospitality Job Fair, organised by Government and Bermuda Hotel Association, saw residents of all ages applying for a range of posts in hotels such as The Reefs, Fairmont Southampton and Elbow Beach.Among the 600 jobs up for grabs were porters, chefs, administration, front desk and houseman work, according to people who attended the event.Many of the positions begin next year, with interested individuals now beginning a lengthy application process.Numerous attendees told The Royal Gazette of their frustrations over the past couple of years, as the unemployment rate has soared, from three percent in 2000 to an estimated eight percent now.Mother-of-two Lady Scraders, says she been out of work since June and is hunting for employment as a chef. Her five-year-old son is autistic so she needs to spend $60 a week on special diapers; her husband's security job brings in barely enough money for the family to survive.“It's really stressful being out of work trying to raise a five-year-old boy. It's been a struggle for my family,” she said.“I'm hoping to get a job as a chef. I can specialise in Jamaican and Bermudian food so hopefully I will get some work now.”Calvin Wilson, 50, was looking for work as a kitchen porter. He said he has been unemployed for a year and has been trying to earn a living by fishing.“I can get by, but I need to find something solid,” said Mr Wilson, of Pembroke.