About 150 potential employees attend event at Resource Center
The Resource Center of Dallas hosted the second annual GLBT Job Expo on Wednesday, March 28, giving eager job seekers and a variety of businesses from banking to health care to communication companies the chance to meet.
Seventeen businesses and about 150 visitors crowded into the space as applicants looking for that perfect job talked with representatives from diverse companies like Nortel and Chipotle and Pitney Bowes who provided a wealth of information to job seekers. Some of the companies gave interviews on the spot, with job openings ranging from entry-level jobs to managerial positions.
“This is one of the most valuable things we can do for our community,” said Mike McKay, executive director of the Resource Center, “because you get talented people talking to talented companies; some of the top businesses and corporations in the country.”
“These are trained people who understand the true value of diversity,” he said.
This year the Expo was co-sponsored by the North Texas GLBT Chamber of Commerce.
“We’re talking to a lot of people and helping them network,” said Tony Vedda, membership division chair for the chamber. “There is great diversity here, which is wonderful.”
Many companies at the Expo were there not only to offer employment opportunities, but also to provide information about their business and answer any questions. Terry Booher, an assistant vice president for Bank of America, Turtle Creek Banking Center, says he wants people to see Bank of America as an opportunity for employment.
“When people think “‘bank’ they think “‘teller’ and that is where their thinking stops,” Booher said. “If you have experience in any other field, we can take that experience and re-form your talents and get you a better job.”
He said there are job availabilities from couriers to tech support to the call center.
John Bellegante, Caremark customer care representative said that his company, which recently merged with CVS, has job opportunities for pharmacy technicians and pharmacists.
“The Operations Center in Irving is looking for HR people and has availabilities in the IT, marketing and sales and legal departments,” Bellegante said.
Chipotle, with more than 30 locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, has available positions from bussers to management.
Darchelle Allen, who moved to Dallas from Killeen two weeks ago, was one of the job seekers that attended the expo. She said she is going to school full time and is looking for a part-time job.
“It [school and a part-time job] go hand in hand with each other. It’s also a great way to advance,” Allen said.
The crowd at the Expo didn’t have to worry about going hungry. Volunteers Fred Seufert and Rick Dishman set out an arrangement of finger sandwiches, fruit and desserts supplied by Kroger. Beverages were also available for all who attended.
Gil Flores, associate executive director of GLBT Community Services for the Resource Center, said the center provides all types of resources to the GLBT community, “and one is help in finding jobs.”
The library is full of resources helpful in job search, and staff are always available to lend a hand, Flores said, adding that the emphasis is on job skill training, resume writing and interviewing skills. There will also be help with job placement for those who could not attend the job expo.
Flores said the Resource Center keeps a resume bank and a job bank, “so we can continue to help people.”
McKay said the purpose of the expo is to bring “talented people together with talented companies.”
“For us it’s a win-win situation,” he said.
For more information on the activities and programs offered at the Resource Center of Dallas, call 214-528-0144.
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition March 30, 2007
