While many businesses have closed or reduced services because of the coronavirus pandemic, and as a result, laid off employees, some businesses are actually looking to hire additional staff.
David Burlis, Express Employment Professionals owner and franchisee, said his company, which is based in Arnold, helped place about 120 people into jobs last week.
“That’s a lot of people,” he said.
Burlis said his company typically places between 80 and 100 people in jobs during a normal week.
He said his best advice to anyone looking for a job right now is to “be flexible.”
“There's a lot of (jobs) available, but they're different from what they were a month ago,” he said. “It's all about whether that's an essential business or not an essential business.”
Burlis said cleaning companies are just one example of an essential business that is hiring.
“A lot of businesses are doing a lot of deep cleaning right now,” he said. “So, all of a sudden, there's this mad rush for all these cleaning companies and restoration companies that do sanitizing.”
Burlis said grocery store stockers and other workers also are needed right now.
“We've consumed like a month's worth of food in days,” he said. “So, they (grocery stores) are all struggling to get everything stocked and refilled.”
Walmart has announced it is hiring more than 4,300 associates in Missouri and about 150,000 throughout the country. The additional workers are needed in stores, Sam’s Clubs and fulfillment and distribution centers.
According to written statement from Walmart, those interested in the jobs may visit walmartcareers.com or text “jobs” to 240240.
Schnucks is looking to hire abut 500 people to fill jobs at stores in the St. Louis area, the company recently announced.
Dierbergs and Save A Lot stores also are hiring, company representatives said.
People interested in those jobs may get information on the companies' websites or from their local stores.
Job seekers also are encouraged to consult the Leader’s classified section for local job listings.
Burlis said the way employers are hiring also has changed because of the coronavirus, with many of them conducting most interviews by phone or video conference.
