Job Seekers get face time with Companies looking to hire - CBS4 - WHBF Quad Cities, IL-IA News Weather Sports

Job Seekers get face time with Companies looking to hire

By: Christine Souders

csouders@cbs4qc.com

Still more than 12 million Americans are out of work since the recession hit.

That staggering figure has many job seekers discouraged about finding employment.

However, some big name companies in the QCA are hiring.

Companies like Alcoa and Apac, along with The Illinois Department of Transportation have openings.

Instead of waiting for applications, they are getting out there, bringing jobs directly to those searching, a light at the end of the tunnel for some Quad Citians.

Felicia Bragg is a single parent with five mouths to feed, and she's been searching for a full time job since December.

"Sometimes you go to a place and they say they're hiring, but they're actually not. So you get there, your turned around at the door. When they have everything in one spot it's one stop shop," said Felicia Bragg

Bragg attended the NAACP Employment workshop in Rock Island.

She got advice on how to build her resume, and learned some ways to win over potential employers.

"It's a good opportunity for us to meet candidates first hand, rather than just reviewing resumes," said Jaime Reyes. Alcoa HR Manager.

At each table, job seekers were applying, and doing impromptu interviews.

Alcoa is just one employer taking advantage of the workshop.

Currently, they have more than 30 openings.

"We do like candidates to have some industrial experience is preferred, but we are open to training and developing on the job," Reyes said.

Which is a good sign, when the unemployment rate is at a steady 8.2%, nearly double the national average since 2008.

But employment workshops, like this one gives job seekers hope they'll find work.

"Just happy to be here, I plan on leaving with a job," said Bragg.

 Check out the NAACP Web site for the job listings,

www.illinoisnaacp.org/rockisland/