By Alex Robinson
Kenyon Thompson has been unemployed for two years, but that might be about to change.
The Jamaica resident participated in a hiring event last week put on by America Works of New York for more than 250 low-income Queens residents who are on public assistance.
Borough Hall hosted the event, which organizers described as not your run-of-the-mill job fair.
“Big job fairs usually turn into résumé drop-offs, but you can see there are real job interviews going on around us,” said David Aquado, director of operations for American Works of New York, in a room full of potential employers and job seekers. “You don’t just drop off your résumé here. You sit down and have an actual interview.”
Job seekers had to register for the event beforehand and America Works pre-screened them so they could be appropriately matched with potential employers in the hope of finding them permanent jobs.
The event attracted more than 21 employers who collectively had more than 100 full-time positions and companies offered a wide range of positions from cashier to manager.
America Works, a nationwide employment agency, is contracted by the city to provide New Yorkers who are on public assistance with help finding jobs.
A number of large companies such as Dunkin’ Donuts, GNC, Staples and Fresh Direct all interviewed candidates at the event.
“You have all different types of companies with a whole different host of opportunities,” Aquado said.
Thompson, who has worked at maintenance jobs in the past, had two interviews and said they both went well. He had been to other job fairs before, but said last week’s event was more productive as he was able to make an impression on employers.
“This one was much better. The other one I went to had too many people all at once,” he said. “There are less people at this one. It’s less cluttered.”
Shallinda Randolph, of South Richmond Hill, has been unemployed for five months and interviewed for a scheduling position.
“It’s such a rush. I like to be interviewed,” she said. “It moved so quickly.”
This was the second such event America Works of New York has held in Queens and the first one in Borough Hall.
“Increasing the number of jobs in Queens and connecting those jobs with our borough’s residents are top priorities,” Borough President Melinda Katz said. “I am happy that this hiring event will bring some exciting employment opportunities to the people of Queens.”
Reach reporter Alex Robinson by e-mail at arobinson@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4566.
