Attendees still required to submit ShopRite applications online
One thing seems fairly certain: ShopRite isn’t going to have a problem filling positions at its new store in Niskayuna.
A line of people stretched outside Niskayuna Town Hall on Monday, June 20, for ShopRite’s job fair in anticipation of the store moving into the former St. James Square. Groups of people were gathered into the Town Board Room, which saw around 500 people by the conclusion of the event. ShopRite officials are looking to fill 250 to 300 positions, which include both part-time and full-time.
There was a mixture of reactions from attendees, with some pleased at the event and others wishing they hadn’t waited in line.
We are very excited. We had an overwhelming reaction, and we couldn’t be more pleased by the outpouring of support tonight, said Tom Urtz, vice president of Human Resources and Community Affairs for ShopRite. `It was great to come out and meet the residents of Niskayuna, and I think it went very well.`
In order to be a neighborhood store, Urtz said, the company has to hire employees to reflect the community. Urtz wasn’t sure what the turnout would be beforehand, but it was greater than he expected.
Mark Johnson, 37, of Niskayuna, has been unemployed for two months and came out to the event to learn about the job opportunities. Johnson has been in the retail field for 20 years.
`I was interested in hearing what they had to do with the store and the merchandising and the community thing and the new programs that they have,` said Johnson.
He was seeking a position in the shipping and receiving department of the store.
Devon, who preferred to only give his first name, said he also enjoyed the job fair and was happy he attended. He is currently employed, but he was looking at what job opportunities were available at ShopRite.
`Where I am I pretty much plateaued,` he said. `What I am trying to do is, is go ahead and try to get a better opportunity for me and my family.`
He said it was also good for the area to see a boost in new job opportunities during a difficult economy.
`It is good for Upstate right now just to see employment,` he said. `Things are bleak now, so just to have that positive motivation from ShopRite itself is great.`
Not everyone walked away from the event with positive reactions though, with some attendees saying it was a waste of time.
The one thing surprising some people was after Urtz talked about the company and opportunities, he concluded by telling everyone to apply online. Company representatives did take rEsumEs people brought in with them, but even those people will be required to apply online.
Susan Dantz, 52, of Scotia, was looking for another part-time job or a full-time job, and she left wondering why ShopRite had everyone came out just to be told to apply online.
`Basically it wasn’t really necessary for us to come down. We could have just gone online and filled out the application and submitted our rEsumE electronically,` said Dantz. `For them, it was more of an informational thing it really wasn’t, I don’t think, truly a job fair. It was just information for us.`
She said she did hand in her resume to a company representative.
The event was meant to coincide with the online application period, which also opened June 20. ShopRite is looking to start the hiring process around the middle of July and is planning to open its doors to the public in October. Due to the large interest, Urtz said it might take the company a little longer than planned to review all submitted applications.
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