All the talk you hear from businesses in every sector about their troubles finding people? You won’t be hearing it from United Airlines.
Last week, the carrier held a job fair at Newark Liberty International Airport — its first since the pandemic. Magda Morais, the managing director for talent acquisition at the airport, said the response was tremendous: More than 6,000 RSVPs and nearly 1,400 in-person job-seekers.
Morais, who said Newark traditionally doesn’t struggle to hire, didn’t know what to expect, but was hoping for 1,000 people.
The airline, already one of the state’s top employers, with approximately 14,000 employees, is hoping to add an additional 2,100 employes here this year.
Here’s how it went down last week.
Those who attended the all-day event were given information on United’s growth plans and on the three job categories available:
- Technical operations (aircraft maintenance technicians, supply chain professionals, engineers, planners, ground equipment and facilities maintenance teams);
- Airport operations (both visible: customer service reps, ramp employees; and behind the scenes: baggage and cargo handlers);
- In-flight services (flight attendants).
After deciding which position they felt fit them best, the candidates met with representatives in those areas, learned what a day-in-the-life of that role was like and were given an exclusive link to formally apply.
Morais said United intends to act quickly.
Applicants for the technical operations and airport operation jobs will be screened first, with some brought in for interviews in the next few weeks.
Flight attendant candidates (the biggest of the three pools) will be screened and then do virtual interviews — with some being brought in for in-person interviews later this month.
Morais said it’s difficult to pin a number on how many will be hired in Newark, especially flight attendants, who potentially could serve around the country. She just knows the company is on an aggressive hiring spree and was grateful to see so many people reach out.
If you missed the event, United said there will be more opportunities in the future. Click here to see potential openings.
