Keith Odom, an alumnus of Northeastern Technical College of Bennettsville, participated in a “speed interview” with representatives of INA’s human resources department during the “Soup, Salad and Suits” job fair at the College. Odom was all smiles because he was headed to fill out an application for a job with INA after a very positive pre-interview with the company.

Members of the Student Government Association stand with a rack of suits and other business attire they collected during the “Soup, Salad and Suits” job fair at Northeastern Technical College. The dress clothes will be donated to people who might not have proper attire for a job interview.

May 4, 2011
College Partners Connect Potential Workers to Industry  

Keith Odom, of Bennettsville, left Northeastern Technical College with a big smile and a lot of hope on April 21 after attending a community job fair at Northeastern Technical College.

Odom, who is an alumnus of NETC’s Associate in Applied Science in Business program, is unemployed and looking for a job. However, he said he felt the possibility of a job was on the horizon for him after participating in a “speed interview” with local employer INA USA.

The speed interview was part of the “Soup, Salad and Suits” event, a joint venture by the Northeastern Technical College, Healthy Woman/Chesterfield General Hospital and the Department of Employment and Workforce Development to put people on the fast track to employment. Twenty-nine students signed up for the speed interviews with representatives from the HR departments of local businesses and industry.
 
The event also included a soup and salad lunch at the College at the price of a “suit” donation. The Student Government Association collected 32 suits or other dress clothes that will be donated to people who might not have proper attire for a job interview.

Phil Holman, human resources director for INA, directed nine NETC students and alumni who participated in the event with Odom to apply for a job at INA. In fact, Holman was so impressed with these students and alumni, he has scheduled another round of interviews to search for potential job candidates.
 
Donna Damico, director of human resources for Chesterfield General Hospital, was the guest speaker for the luncheon. Before speaking on “Attitudes in the Workplace,” Damico took a moment to recognize an NETC student who really impressed her and the other HR representatives during the speed interview process.
 
“Ashley Jones really wowed us. She has that enthusiasm and energy we are looking for in all of our employees at Chesterfield General Hospital,” Damico said.
 
Jones, of Chesterfield, is enrolled in NETC’s Administrative Office Technology program.

Following the luncheon, the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce, in collaboration with the College, sponsored a community job fair with 18 vendors.  Nearly 50 job seekers attended the event.