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By Greg Stiles Mail Tribune October 16. 2014 6:09PM Hundreds look for work at Harry & David hiring fair Norma Montesdeoca talks to applicants during a hiring fair at Harry & David's Corporate Employment Center on Thursday. Mail Tribune / Julia Moore They came by car and truck, bus and bikes — even skateboards. Hundreds of job seekers — some with no work experience, others with lengthy resumes — got to know the Rogue Valley's top agriculture and manufacturing employer Thursday in a meet-and-greet at Harry & David's Corporate Employment Center. The common thread, whether they hadn't completed school or had an advanced degree, was the desire for a position during the coming holiday cycle when the Medford-based gourmet food and gift giant pulls out all the stops. Stacey Rench, who recently moved to Talent from California, said Harry & David was her first stop in a job search. Rench, whose previous employment included roles in the medical and clerical fields, was unfazed by the onslaught of applicants. "I didn't expect this at all, but it's really exciting," said Rench, who is eyeing opportunities in customer service or data-entry areas. "They have a lot of nice things for us to look at, coffee and treats. It gives us a taste of the kind of products we'll be working with. I'm learning about all the fruit stuff and that's pretty neat." Jason England admitted casting a wide net as he circulated among the departmental tables. "I'm just looking for whatever I can find," said the North Medford High School graduate who is attending college in Utah. "Being young it's hard to find a job. If I can find something here to hold onto for a little bit, it would be wonderful. I plan on going back to school in January, I'm studying medicine, but you need money to go to school." Seasonal hiring began in mid-August and will accelerate through November. The company annually needs more than 1,000 temporary workers for its peak season. Vice President of Human Resources and Corporate Sales Pam Turay said 60 to 80 interviews were taking place Monday, with more scheduled every day. She said 20 employment center staff members were reinforced with an equal number from human resources and other departments. Their varied backgrounds were put to the test as the first wave swept through the center. Jakee Clouse of Medford was hoping the second time was the charm. He applied for work at Harry & David a month ago and didn't hear back. Up to now, his work experience has been limited to landscaping and the like, he said. "I'm looking for anything, because I don't have experience," said Clouse, who said he has also applied at Subway sandwiches, Fred Meyer and 7/Eleven, among others. "I'm interested in finding out what I'm qualified for and where I can begin." Willis Alexander said he was looking for an entry-level position in the company's supply chain operations. "They tell me to get your feet in the door and then let things happen from there," Alexander said. "I'm here to find part-time employment to let them see what I can do and hopefully have it turn into a full-time career." Kyle Liggett of Eagle Point said he's been enjoying the good life, camping and fishing, since graduating from high school last spring. "This is my first time looking for a job," Liggett said. "I'm looking for seasonal work now, but if a full-time opportunity comes around, I'll look at that." Rose Mary Ruppe, whose lengthy resume includes a stint with Chemical Bank in New York City, was hoping to land a business sales support position. "I just want a little part-time work," she said. The same was true for Sixto Rodriguez of Central Point. A contractor by trade during his career days, Rodriguez said he was looking for very limited hours during the holidays. "I'd be happy in the warehouse or whatever," Rodriguez said. "I'm easy. I'm just looking for something to do, in other words, I'm bored. I could still work after the holidays, but I'm looking for two or three days a week." Judi Griffith has been through the routine before and is looking forward to her third round of holiday activity with the company. She's hoping to find mail-order entry or customer service assistant work. "Full-time work would be great," she said. "I'm really good at customer service, but I don't want to do telephone sales." Alice Bell is an electrical engineer by trade, but has been a stay-at-home mom for several years. With her youngest child now in high school, she's seeking to work in the call center. "I'm down to one high school kid at home," she said. "So it's a great way to earn some Christmas money." The hiring website can be viewed here: http://www.harryanddavid.com/h/view/a-career Reach reporter Greg Stiles at 541-776-4463 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GregMTBusiness, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/greg.stiles.31, and read his blog at www.mailtribune.com/Economic Edge. http://www.mailtribune.com/article/20141016/NEWS/141019702 © 2015 Copyright © 1995-2011 Crain Communications Inc. All Rights Reserved. Terms of Use Privacy Statement -->