CRAWFORDSVILLE, Ind. -- A large job fair attracted thousands of job seekers Monday as Indiana's jobless rate continues to increase.

More than 95 businesses and 2,800 jobs were up for grabs at the 2009 Hoosier Job Fair at Crawfordsville High School, 6News' Julie Pursley reported.

Numerous high-profile companies had a presence at the ninth-annual event, which runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Among employers recruiting at the event are Nucor Steel, Medco, Crane Naval Surface Warfare Center, Edward Jones and Ivy Tech. Jobs are available in health care, banking, education, government, retail and manufacturing.

Rep. Steve Buyer and State Sen. Phil Boots sponsored the event. At 9.1 percent, Montgomery County's unemployment is a bit above the state average.

"We had over 1,000 people pre-register on our Web site, and I probably anticipate we could easily have 2,000 or 3,000 people here today," Buyer said.

Crane plans to hire 300 people this year alone, one of many organizations going against the grain of the job market.

"A lot of what we're here for today ... is to look at the experienced workforce -- the journeyman hires -- scientists, engineers, contract specialists," said Doug Crowe, of Crane.

Many job hunters recently found themselves out of work because of company downsizing or layoffs.

"You've got to prove yourself. That's the main thing," said Gale Williams, who was looking for a job.

The job market is tough for everyone, but particularly for those who have been out of work for a longer period of time.

"There are so many people in the same line of work that are fighting for the same job. It's tough," said Paul Myer.

Sens. Evan Bayh and Dick Lugar are hosting another job fair on April 25 at the Purdue University Research Park in Ameriplex, on the southwest side of Indianapolis.

More Info: Crawfordsville Job Fair