Almost 1,000 job seekers, some of whom have been unemployed for years, flocked to a job fair at the Kwai Fong Community Hall yesterday to try to land one of about 500 temporary and permanent jobs on offer.
Among those trying their luck was Ng Lin-ying, 45, who has been hunting fruitlessly for a job in sales for the past three years. 'I guess some employers thought I was too old to be a saleslady, so I decided to come here for luck and apply as a promoter,' she said. 'Even getting a temporary job would be good enough.'
Twenty-four exhibitors from the cosmetics, retail and catering sectors and the Chinese Manufacturers' Association, which organised the fair, were seeking yesterday to hire staff for the Hong Kong Food Carnival, to be held at Kwai Chung Sports Playground from April 3 to 14. About 40 per cent of the positions will continue after the carnival.
Operators at the carnival, which will comprise about 220 booths, need to hire security guards, cleaners, beauticians, exhibition assistants, customer service officers, promoters and electrical technicians.
The maximum salary will be HK$15,000 a month; hourly rates will range from HK$22 to HK$45 for both temporary and permanent jobs. Applicants who live in Kwai Chung were given priority in the interviews.
As well as checking on job seekers' experience and qualifications, food company Wo Kee Loong also required those applying for a job as a food promoter to dress up in a red traditional Chinese robe and put on makeup during their interviews.
