Grocer holds job fair ahead of Mobile store opening

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) -  Publix is hiring workers for two supermarkets its building in the city.

PUBLIX MOBILE LOCATIONS

The supermarkets are being built at Hillcrest Road and Cottage Hill Road, and University Boulevard and Airport Boulevard.

Publix officials said they expect the Hillcrest location to be open in April and the University Boulevard location to open in June.

  WHAT'S AVAILABLE?

Publix District Manager Ed Betts said, "We're actually taking applications for all positions. That's meat cutters, decorators, bakers, cashiers, baggers, deli clerks, produce; every position in the store, with the exception of, right now, management. Our management is promotion from within."　

ARRIVING WITH A PLAN

Some job seekers knew what they were looking for.

Leslie Hall of Mobile said, "I have three years of cashiering and stocking skills, so, I'm hoping to capitalize on that with Publix."

Ashley Williams of Mobile said, "I'm looking for better opportunities to get further in my career."

And Naomi Richman of Mobile said, "I have three children. I'm 29 years old. I need something better."

UNEMPLOYED APPLICANTS

Many people we spoke to were unemployed, like Ryan Goodman of Mobile.

When asked what it's like to try to find a job, he said,"It's hard, it's hard. You need so much experience for certain things. They won't hire you if you don't have it, and everything else is strict. It's really hard to find something."

Christopher Young worked at Office Depot for 14 years.

Young said he's been looking for a job for six months.

When asked what it was like looking for a job, Young said, "It’s not easy. It’s not easy, but it will happen."

STANDING OUT FROM THE CROWD

So what makes some applicants stand out from others?

"We look for a person with a service mentality. They have to want to serve our customers and serve each other within our stores. With our job class training, we can train you to do anything."

FAMILIARITY HELPS　

Knowing the product helps, too.

Leslie Hall said, "My favorite sandwich in the whole world is the Cuban American sandwich made by Publix."

WANT TO APPLY?

The job fair continues Tuesday at the Mobile Marriott from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

If you want to learn more about Publix job opportunities, he's their website.

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