If there’s one absolute in uncertain times, it’s change. For most, change means fleeting jobs and fluctuating finances. But change can also open up new avenues for job hunters.
Bayada Nurses, a company specializing in home care, was one of about 15 participating employers at the Union City job fair at Union City High School Nov. 9, and its sign-up sheet was filled with a lot of names – men’s names. According to booth manager Wanda Metayer, an associate director at Bayada, the majority of people expressing interest in their company were male, which she saw as a welcome addition to the female-dominated field of homecare.
“It’s hard for an English-speaking person. Imagine for him.” – Eva Contreras
________
Proven job placement
The turnout Tuesday night resembled that of the last Union City job fair held in April, with approximately 1,000 job seekers over the course of the three-hour event waiting in line to enter the gymnasium and speak with employers. Approximately 20 people were allowed in at a time to guarantee individual communication with booth managers.
Despite the controlled access, long lines developed at banking booths TD Bank and Banco Popular as well as public transportation participants NJ Transit and Port Authority. Among its offerings, NJ Transit advertised positions with no experience required, such as bus officer and police officer.
Many of the employers, like National Amusements and Loving Care Agency, had hired for many positions based upon the turnout last April and expected similar success Tuesday.
At National Amusements’ table, booth managers gave out their contact information and referred those interested to apply in person at the movie theater’s Edgewater location. They advertised available positions in four departments: usher, concession, four court, and cashier.
Homemaking agency Loving Care Agency, according to booth manager Andrea Ordonez, hired around five new employees from about 35 applicants at April’s job fair. This time, positions such as home help aid, registered nurse, and administration coordinator were advertised, in their branch in West New York and in Jersey City, and the turnout, early in the night, had already proved rewarding.
“We had one [applicant] who had a homemaker license, and she’s going to interview tomorrow in the office,” Ordonez said.
Joining the job fair regulars was newcomer Hertz, offering various job opportunities and a management training program.
“Anytime we have an opportunity to expand, we take advantage of that,” city spokesman Mark Albiez said. “The mayor’s office works with many different agencies. It’s nice to be able to work them into the fold with the job fair.”
Though some job seekers noted that they were expecting more employers, as well as more diversity than the standard outreach from banks, homecare, and public transportation, East Orange resident Lina Acosta commented that the job fair was “a bit more organized” than other job fairs she had attended.
‘Can’t be picky nowadays’
In a diverse grouping of people, which included college graduates and current students, a common sentiment of expediency was heard.
Acosta, who graduated with a degree in Hospitality Management, was looking at the banks, Port Authority, and Hertz.
“I’m just hoping for anything right now…You can’t be picky nowadays,” she said.
Stevens Institute of Technology commuter student Darwin Hernandez looked at TD Bank, noting “I’m doing work-study, but it doesn’t hurt to have extra income.”
West New York middle school teacher Eva Contreras attended the event with her husband, Francisco, who came over a few weeks ago from the Dominican Republic with a degree in civil engineering. The couple had previously attended a government job fair at Rutgers in New Brunswick and was hoping that the Union City fair would yield more success.
She and her husband were “desperately looking” for a job for him while he waited for his credits to transfer over from the Dominican Republic. Expediency, according to Contreras, was their top priority, not necessarily his degree and qualifications. The two looked at Hertz, TD Bank, and The Vitamin Shoppe, which offered retail, corporate, and distribution positions.
“It’s hard for an English-speaking person,” she said. “Imagine for him.”
Track to success
Several employers offered the quick assistance that seekers were looking for, but with a promise of security.
Jersey City Episcopal Community Development Corporation was offering a six-week training program in customer service and sales; upon completion of the course, participants receive certification as a sales professional by the National Retail Federation.
“Call it entry level. Call it a quick start,” said Angel Cintron, job recruitment specialist and career mentor.
Though not a staffing agency, they help participants find work, Cintron noted, and six people from the last class received jobs with Cablevision.
Financial services and insurance company NY Life was offering jobs for financial service representatives and agents, with only a high school diploma required. Job training, however, works to give participants equivalent college credits.
For Hertz and Bayada, job training can pay off in a big way.
Hertz is well-known for their managerial track set-up, with participants starting mainly with “some sort of willingness to do sales,” according to booth manager Paul Galiatsatos. Other offerings included customer service and car cleaning positions.
Bayada is like Hertz in that it offers job security with its training program and eventual placement.
In order to be a home aid, one must first take the class, be approved by the Board of Nursing, and undergo a background check. Under the belief that wherever a class is offered, so, too, should an opportunity, Bayada often employs successful participants of their training program.
Like Hertz, Bayada workers also benefit from offices nationwide and beyond, which is particularly important, because Bayada offers the option for its health aides to relocate.
“You name a place, we mostly have an office,” said Daisy Peralta, client service manager.
Metayer agreed, and left a message for job seekers: “Don’t get discouraged.”