Local Retiree Finds Work At Holiday Job Fair

FAIRFAX, Va. (WUSA) ---- Raymond Myers retired a year and a half ago, but he needs to find a new job, any job.

"I'm looking to supplement my retirement income," says Myers.

Myers attends the Holiday Job Fair inside Fair Oaks Mall, Oct. 16, 2009. Thirty-three stores are looking to fill full-time and part-time positions.

Myers says he worked in management for shoe companies. When the economy went south, he was faced with early retirement at 62 years old.

Now he says he collects social security checks. He also has a reverse mortgage on his condominium in Reston, Va.

"From what I was earning at my last regular full time job, it may be cut roughly in half. I had savings fortunately, I took money out of the market before it crashed too bad."

Myers is not the only one struggling to find employment in recent months. Elizabeth Thiem is a recent college graduate who was laid off from her receptionist job months ago.

"It's been kinda brutal to be honest. I've applied for well over 100 jobs. And I've only gotten a handful of interviews," says Thiem from W. Springfield, Va.

But this job fair proves to be a success for Myers and Thiem. After one-on-one interviews, both applicants are hired by Macy's. Myers will work in the luggage department.

"Relieved that I got a job in this economy," says Myers.

The holiday job fair will continue this weekend. Fair Oaks Mall will also hold a College Fair on Sunday.

HOLIDAY JOB FAIR

Date: October 16-18, 2009

Time: Friday & Saturday Noon-6pm

Sunday Noon-6pm & 7:30-9:30pm

COLLEGE FAIR

Date: October 18, 2009

Time: Sunday 7:30-9:30pm

Location: Grand Court at Fair Oaks Mall

11750 Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax, Virginia 22033

Cost: Free and open to the public

For more information, visit www.ShopFairOaksMall.com or call (703) 359-8302.