Hundreds turned up early for the start of a four-day mass hiring event by Target in Waikiki yesterday morning, some reportedly as early as 3:30 a.m.

    Huge Crowd Turns Out For Target Jobs

   

 

A four day job fair for 12 hundred jobs drew a crowd so huge people had to be turned away. 12/18/08

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By 9 a.m., which was the official start of the event, no more applicants were being accepted because of maximum capacity. Those turned away were, however, encouraged to return this morning. Target's hiring event at the Hawaii Convention Center continues until Sunday.

“;I think this is one of the tops for the company,”; said Target spokeswoman Brie Heath, regarding the enthusiastic turnout.

Target decided to close the line so those who were there could go through the process — and so those who would not make it in would not have to wait aimlessly, Heath said.

“;We felt it was best to let people know right away,”; she said. “;This has been overwhelming and positive. We've seen a lot of great talent.”;

Heath estimated that more than 1,000 candidates were present yesterday, but did not have a count of how many actually showed up. Some were recent University of Hawaii graduates, she said.

Target aims to hire up to 1,200 employees for its two Oahu stores — at Salt Lake and Kapolei — slated to open in March.

Positions range from the sales floor to security, cashiers, overnight stockpersons, pharmacists and fitting room staff.

Patience was a prerequisite.

By noon yesterday, dozens were still standing in a winding line to turn in their applications. Hundreds more were waiting for an interview.

Brothers Royce and Royal Lono, 23 and 22 respectively, got to the hiring event at 8 a.m. and, three hours later, were still waiting to submit their applications. They drove to Waikiki from Waipahu.

Royce said he was applying for a position in assets protection or as overnight stockperson. Currently, he works in landscape and maintenance at Ko Olina Resort, but said job cuts are pending next year.

“;It's the first one in Hawaii,”; he said, explaining why he wanted to work at Target.

Dwayne Haney, 24, of Kalihi was still waiting after three hours, along with many others, for an interview yesterday afternoon.

Haney said he'd shopped at Target with his grandparents in Las Vegas, and he was interested in a position in the stockroom or unloading trailers.

His job in campus security at the University of Hawaii is set to end next week, he said, due to budget cutbacks.

Tony Lile arrived at 7 a.m. from Waipahu, hoping to apply for a management position, given that he has 10 years of retail experience, but found out they were not available.

He still decided to apply because there may be an opportunity to become a manager at a later time.

Target is looking for employees who are “;fast, fun and friendly”; — its motto.

Candidates were funneled into three rooms — one for submitting applications, one for waiting, and one for the interview.

Several offers were made yesterday, according to Gina Pohlabel, Target's human resources business partner, although she could not give a tally.

Kellyann Wright of Kapolei was one of them.

Wright, who currently works as a hotel concierge, was offered a job as a part-time sales-floor team member.

“;I've heard great things about Target from people who live on the mainland, and the quality of their products,”; she said, beaming. “;I'm happy, and I'm excited.”;

The job offers are conditional, pending clearance of a drug test and background check, which Target was also conducting yesterday.

Resumes are not necessary, said Pohlabel, but will be accepted with the application. Candidates are encouraged to indicate what store they want to work at and what positions they want to apply for in order of priority.

Target offers its employees 401(k) plans, various health care options and 10 percent store discounts.

Target employees will wear red aloha shirts designed by Tori Richard. Target's mascot, a bull terrier named Bullseye, entertained candidates as they waited.

Another hiring event is scheduled for Target's Kona store in May. Target is seeking to hire 400 for the Big Island store.

Pohlabel emphasized that despite having to turn people away, Target will still look to fill positions until Sunday. The Hawaii Convention Center allows people to start lining up at 4 a.m.