Drive thru job fair planned for July 22
By Michelle Price
Special to the UCBJ
CROSSVILLE – In today’s COVID-19 employment environment, and in light of government measures to boost unemployment benefits, at least one area staffing company is having a hard time filling available jobs.
SmallBiz Staffing Manager Caleb Johnson says they have more jobs than people who apply, so the agency will host a drive thru job fair on Wednesday, July 22 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the parking lot of their office at 60 Ridley St., Suite 126, in Crossville, to attempt to find workers to fill these positions.
“Though COVID hit in March and April and slowed a lot of companies down, we remained open and continued to hire the entire time,” said Johnson. “We hire for all the essential companies in town, and they have to continue to have employees. We’re still hiring for those. We’ve got more jobs than people who apply.”
SmallBiz Staffing is a locally-owned, woman-owned business. It is currently recruiting for 13 clients with open positions including temporary, temp to hire, entry level, production, warehouse, shipping & receiving, clerical, skilled labor, janitorial, equipment operator, HVAC and mid-level management.
Pay rates for positions range from $8.50 to $14 per hour for most positions. Equipment operators and mid-level management pay depends on experience.
Johnson said that like many businesses, SmallBiz Staffing had closed their lobby earlier this year, making it difficult for both staff and prospective employees. He planned the drive thru job fair as a way to get new applicants and to practice safety and social distancing.
“We are trying to keep people separated and as safe as possible,” said Johnson. “Our game plan is to talk to people from their cars. They can go on their phone and fill out an application, or we will be giving paper applications to them.
“We are taking special care and caution to make sure we are wearing the right PPE, masks and gloves and everything that’s needed. Washing everything that’s needed as well. Just making sure we are being as careful as possible.”
Johnson said the event isn’t all about business. There is a lot of excitement planned, as well as free food.
“It’s going to be a fun and enjoyable day, where we are giving out some prizes and giveaways for people that come and apply,” shared Johnson. “We are going to have a couple of food trucks here as well participating. For those who have time to apply and grab a bite to eat, they can do that. We’re doing what we can to keep everybody safe and keeping the right social distancing. We’ll be giving out masks.”
For more information on the job fair or available positions, call 931-787-1727.
