In their first head-to-head debate on Wednesday, jobs and the economy figure to be key topics for President Obama and challenger Mitt Romney. As YNN's Matt Hunter found out, many job seekers will be paying close attention to their words.

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SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. -- "I was laid off about a year ago and I've been looking for a job actively as an admin type position," Kathryn Barbeau said.

"It's very scary, it's been a tough few months and it's overwhelming,” said Jared Schadewald, a recent Saint Rose graduate. “I hope to find something soon."

Whether you're a recent college graduate, have been laid off or simply want a more satisfying career, finding a job can often be a lengthy and stressful process.

"I've got these huge loans and with the income I'm making, I can't pay them back, so I need to find something that will hopefully help,” said Schadewald.

On Wednesday in Saratoga, a few hundred job seekers attended the Capital Jobs Development Group's annual job fair, where representatives from more than 40 companies accepted resumes, shook hands and discussed openings with potential future employees.

"We're finding more people that are ready to make a career transition because maybe they can't find a career in their previous industry so they're looking for a new industry to get involved in that is hiring," said Donna Collins, a human resources officer with Berkshire Bank.

Regardless of the point in their career they're at, many at the fair planned to pay close attention to Wednesday night's presidential debate, hoping one of the candidates might offer a vision that will get Americans back to work.

"It's tough, it's a very tough decision and hopefully whoever gets elected will try and do something about this because it's getting worse I think," Schadewald said.

America's next President won't be decided until next month. By then, many here are hoping they'll already be settled in to their new careers.

"It's difficult when you're looking for a specific position but I mean, there's a lot of good jobs here to offer," Barbeau said.

"I got some cards, I shook some hands and hopefully I made a good impression and will maybe get an interview or follow-up and see what's going on," Schadewald said.

Saratoga County’s unemployment rate is currently 6.9 percent, and is one of the five lowest in New York State. The statewide rate stands at 8.8 percent.