Target Gives Job Hunters a Store of Opportunity

Camarillo High School students Casey Goeb, 14, and Lauren Eaton, 15, were there hoping to snag that elusive first permanent job.

So was Marisol Ipatzi, 22, of Oxnard, who has tired of toiling in a Camarillo gas station. Richard Galiney, 36, of Ventura was simply hoping for any new work--and fast.

“I need a job bad,” said the former oil refinery worker, who has been looking for permanent work since he lost his $50,000-a-year job almost two years ago. “I might lose my home if I don’t act. I’m going to sell my truck in two weeks. My credit card bills are due. . . . I will take anything.”

The three were among about 1,000 people on Saturday vying for one of 175 positions available at the new Camarillo Target discount store when it opens its doors July 28.

Some job seekers started lining up at 5:30 a.m., awaiting the 7 a.m. opening of a job fair at Camarillo Airport.

When they got inside, potential employees were ushered through three red-and-white balloon-filled rooms for orientation sessions on corporate history, culture and employee benefits. Finally, potential team members--as the chain refers to employees--filled out a job application. Interviews for jobs that begin at $5.25 an hour will be conducted later.

The job fair exuded a carnival-like atmosphere that included a disc jockey spinning high-decibel rock songs in the parking lot. Free hot dogs and drinks were available, and a clown handed out balloons to kids who accompanied their parents.

For many, Target offers a chance for steady work with a regular paycheck--and a morale boost in a tough economy.

Richard Ontiveros, 45, of Oxnard, sat at a table toying with a Target Frisbee he had won during an orientation session.

“You don’t want to work in the fields,” the laborer said. “Right now, [Target] is better than anything. . . . [It will] build your self-image up.”