Some were looking for jobs as photographers. Some were looking for jobs as teachers or in social work. Some of the 16- to 24-year-olds were looking for just about anything.
Dozens of Quad Cities area students and other young people found the place to apply for those jobs – and many others – at the sixth annual Mayors’ Young Adult Hiring Fair on Tuesday, Feb. 21, at the Waterfront Convention Center, Bettendorf.
The hiring event brought together more than 60 companies, agencies, military branches and government offices that are looking for employees. Many of them had the same message: We have plenty of job openings and are looking for people who are willing to work and learn new skills.
“We’re hiring for everything,” Amy Goodwin, director of human resources for the YMCA of the Mississippi Valley, said as she did her best to attract the young people to her table. “I try to draw them in because some of them are shy. They’ve never been to anything like this before.”
Ms. Goodwin added that the YMCA is looking for a wide variety of employees in many areas. Some openings include desk staff, lifeguards and 30 to 50 positions for summer camps, such as counselors.
“I like this event. So far, many of the young people seem to be interested,” she said.
Just a few feet away, Amber Jahns, senior recruiter with Hy-Vee, was being kept busy with young people looking for jobs at the grocer’s area stores. Ms. Jahns said she was looking for employees for several Hy-Vee stores in the Iowa and Illinois Quad Cities region. She is looking for people who are dependable, committed to showing up for work and willing to have that friendly smile in every aisle.
“We’re looking for outgoing, friendly people; somebody with that Hy-Vee smile,” she added.
While Ms. Jahns was busy trying to recruit employees, she was also the target of another recruiter. During Tuesday’s job fair, a woman approached her Hy-Vee table and asked her to attend another job fair this spring in Davenport.
“Yes, this happens a lot,” the Hy-Vee employee said about the job fair recruitment effort.
Other employers on hand at the job fair and their goals included:
- Erin Waters, a human resources recruiter with MidAmerican Energy Co., was looking for people to work in the company’s customer service department. “We’re looking for people who show commitment and flexibility,” she said.
- Chef Michael Gabrielson of the Isle Casino Hotel Bettendorf was looking to hire banquet servers, dishwashers, housekeepers and several casino positions. “I’m looking for anyone who wants to work. … I don’t know if they (the young adults) know what they are looking for. But we can point them in the right direction,” he added.
- Sunday Saunders, recruiting specialist with Harris Pizza, said she was at the fair to hire at least four to five workers at all of the Harris Pizza locations in the region, plus some management positions. “I’m looking for people who can make eye contact. People who can communicate. I’m looking for a willingness to learn,” she said.
Many of the young jobseekers said they liked the event, and found it very helpful in their job searches.
For instance, Emily Kuriger, 19, of Colona, and a student at Black Hawk College, was open for all job opportunities. “I’m looking at everything. … It’s really nice here. The people are nice and have a lot of information.” she said.
Another jobseeker, Kiana Carey, 18, of Davenport, said “I’m loving it here. There’s a lot to see. … I’m going to look at a bunch of the tables.”
