Fort Decatur Buzzes with Job Seekers at Thriving Local Hiring Event!
On December 5th, the Fort Decatur Recreation Center buzzed with energy as eager job seekers gathered for a local hiring event, each with their unique aspirations in tow. Among them was Candice Ursua, a fresh face from the Philippines, hoping to kickstart her career in the fast-food industry. “I may not have experience here yet, but I’m ready to dive into food service,” the 19-year-old shared with a hopeful smile as she waited patiently in line. “I’m really looking forward to being part of a team.”
At the other end of the spectrum, Kordarius Kidd, a determined 33-year-old from Decatur, was there with the credentials and experience to back him up. Currently employed as a test engineer at Boeing, he had his sights set higher, eager to leverage his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering into a more fulfilling role. “I’m open to anything in engineering—testing, manufacturing, or anything related to defense or circuit cards,” he explained passionately.
So, what makes Kidd an irresistible candidate for future employers? “I’m relentless. I don’t quit. I keep pushing forward until I break through,” he declared with conviction. He seeks a position that ignites his passion, a dream shared by many who flocked to the event. The atmosphere at Fort Decatur was electric, with dozens of attendees filling the gym as the event ran from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The goal? To connect motivated individuals with employers actively seeking talent. More than 20 local companies, including Ascend Performance Materials, Beyond Gravity USA, and GE Appliances, participated, creating a vibrant marketplace of job opportunities.
Job seekers had the chance to explore openings, engage in on-the-spot interviews, and take significant steps toward their career goals. Thanks to an innovative hiring platform called Career Connect, they could input their resume details and get matched with positions tailored to their skills. The convenience didn’t stop there; digital resumes were printed on-site in a uniform format to streamline the hiring process for employers.
Among the curious attendees was John Kearse, a 36-year-old originally from Detroit, who came to scout the local job market. “It just popped into my mind,” he said about his decision to attend. “I wanted to see what companies were out there.” With a versatile background, he sensed he could fit into various roles. “I’m just on the lookout for an opportunity, nothing too specific. My dream job? Something that allows me to provide for my son, John IV, who’s just 6.”
Then there was K’lei McDaniel, a 21-year-old from Decatur, actively seeking a long-term career in manufacturing. With experience from GE of Decatur to Saia of Athens, she also dabbled in certified nursing assistant work. “I enjoyed sitting with people,” she reminisced, adding, “Now, I want a role I can truly love and grow with.”
For employers, the hiring event served as an invaluable opportunity to connect with potential hires in a more relaxed setting. “I’m here because we have a few job openings,” shared Crysti Pannell, director of community relations for Venza Care Rehab and Care Center. She emphasized how easy it is for candidates to explore various positions through a job posting website, Indeed. “They just enter their details, and it shows all available positions. We can then access their resumes to see their qualifications.”
But what truly sets these hiring events apart is the personal connection. “We can assess if they’re a good fit for the role without the pressure of a formal interview,” Pannell explained. “It saves time for both sides, and candidates feel less nervous and more at ease.” She proudly noted that their approach has led to great success.
