Employers seek applicants at Urban League of Greater Chattanooga

Friday, January 1, 1904

IF YOU GO* The Urban League will host the Infinite Scholars Scholarship Fair from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. today at 730 M.L. King Blvd. Seniors and juniors with a GPA of 2.7 or higher are asked to attend. To receive scholarships, bring copies of high school transcripts, evidence of ACT scores, two letters of recommendation and a current resume, which should include community service activities. Call Mary Edwards at 756-1762, ext. 11 for more information.* Those who plan to attend the Urban League's job information sessions Monday through Nov. 18 must call first. Contact Julia Anderson at 756-1762.

In a city where the unemployment rate is higher than the national average, at least four employers will be at the Urban League of Greater Chattanooga next week looking for people to hire.

"EPB interviewed 48 people on the spot at the last job session," said Julia Anderson, Urban League of Greater Chattanooga's workforce specialist.

Bi-Lo hired at least three people in management positions, Anderson said, and some jobs available at the previous job session paid $40,000 annually and up.

Chattanooga has an unemployment rate of 9.4 percent, compared to the national average of 9.1 percent, according to the Tennessee Department of Labor.

The Urban League also will host small meet-and-greet sessions Nov. 14-18. Bi-Lo, Community Options, Regions Bank and T-Mobile are among the employers participating in the sessions, she said.

"Full-time, part-time, management and entry-level positions are available. And they are looking for diversity," said Anderson.

Brenda Lee, a 46-year-old mother of two, said she will be there next week.

"I need a job," she said Wednesday after bringing her resume to the Urban League. "I know I'll be a good worker. I have a work history, worked all my life. I just need a chance."

Lee said she worked for 10 years as a custodian at Tennessee Valley Authority before being laid off. Until this summer, she worked for Eve's Formal Wear, but it was a seasonal position that ended in August. She hopes to land a job in housekeeping after meeting with employers next week.

Participants in the Urban League event must have a resume and at least three years of work experience. Resume assistance is available by appointment at the Urban League. Applicants also must pass a drug test and background check.

The meet-and-greet sessions will give potential employees the opportunity to show off their skills and shine in an intimate group setting, said James McKissic, the Urban League's chief operating officer.

"At a job fair you might get lost in the herd," he said. "This is a chance to make a good first impression with people who may hire you."

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