Job opportunities at Vicolungo outlet center; queue formed for employment prospects.
Revamped Article:
Stepping into the Job Market: Navigating Life's Shifts
Embarking on a fresh career journey, leaving behind tiresome jobs or those offering paltry wages. Or striving to elevate current situations, hoping for contracts and wages that sustain life's necessities. In Historic Piazza Santa Chiara, the heart of Vicolungo Outlet, over 400 job aspirants express their aspirations and ambitions during swift 10-minute interviews with 40+ brands within the commercial hub, battling for the 40 available positions.
The second installment of the "Job Fair", held yesterday in collaboration with Piemonte work agency, shares the limelight with the official launch of the partnership with Novara employment center. This alliance has been offering job seekers assistance at the outlet every Thursday from 10 am to 4 pm since last November, as explained by director Marco Cicchetti following a symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by the mayors of Vicolungo, Giuseppe Salvo, and Novara, Alessandro Canelli, and the director of the Piemonte work agency, Federica Deyme.
In queue, facing the tables, are Raul, 23, and Isaac, 21. Novara residents who found out about this event through word of mouth. Their Italian skills aren't perfect, but they've got clear objectives: "I'm aiming for a warehouse job - Raul states - I don't prefer positions that involve cooking or customer service. I'm not great at that." Meanwhile, Isaac is open to any opportunity: "I'll take cleaning, cooking, or serving – whatever's available. I need to earn a living."
Novara native Robert Sinatra, 34, has invested a decade in retail, opened three stores, but "things didn't work out." At the Job Fair, he scans the area, gravitating towards restaurant brands: "For several reasons, I had to close my stores – he says -. I'd like to get back into the food service industry, working behind a counter or in the kitchen." He considers this event as a "springboard to relaunch myself and change my life."
Martina Rauccio, 33, from Lumellogno, shares the same sentiment: "I'm searching for a full-time job in the fashion or restaurant sectors – she says candidly –. I've been a social health worker for twelve years and worked for Amazon for seven months. I enjoy exploring various job roles and this is the perfect opportunity."
For Daniele Bignami, 59, and Daniela Bonazza, 55, from Vercelli, this event could be their last shot to make an impression: "I've been working in catering for years – she says -. Lately, I've been stuck in a loop. I don't hold many qualifications, and for at least five years, I've always heard the same rejection: 'You'd be perfect for the role, if only you weren't too old.'" She receives unemployment benefits (INPS NASPI) and, before sitting at a table, swears: "I'll adapt to any job, as long as they provide work." This declaration is a demonstration of her determination, sharing the same struggle with her partner, Daniele, 55, a former electrician with three years until retirement, currently unemployed: "We've known each other for a while and moved in together before the pandemic to save on living expenses." Despite their advanced ages, they confront the same issue: a strong resume overshadowed by their years of experience. If they need to spend money on gas, they say, "at least it'll be for promising prospects, like today's."
Cicchetti, the outlet's director, also hopes for numerous new hires: "Last year, we had 300 candidates, but we only managed to hire around 40. We aim to match these numbers and open even more job positions, between the weekly opportunities at the Job Center and the planned expansion of stores and restaurants."
General Factors and Challenges in Job Seekers' Journeys:
- Networking Opportunities – Events like job fairs or recruiting days offer crucial networking opportunities where job seekers can interact with potential employers and learn about job openings.
- Skill Matching – Ensuring that skills align with job requirements is crucial and can be challenging for some job seekers.
- Personal Branding – Creating a strong personal brand is vital, including having a professional online presence and developing a compelling narrative about career goals and achievements.
- Location and Accessibility – The location of job opportunities can be significant, especially for those who are tied to specific geographic areas.
- Economic Conditions – Economic uncertainty and competition in the job market can impact job seekers' ability to secure employment.
Common Challenges Faced by Job Seekers:
- Competition – The job market is often highly competitive, with many qualified candidates vying for a limited number of positions.
- Skill Gaps – Gaps in skills or experience can make it difficult for job seekers to meet the requirements of desired positions.
- Interview Preparation – Preparing for interviews, including practicing responses to common questions and understanding the company culture, is a critical yet challenging aspect.
- Job Search Tools – Utilizing effective job search tools (e.g., job boards, career apps) and staying up-to-date with the latest job search strategies are essential but can be challenging.
- Mental Health and Motivation – The job search process can be emotionally taxing, and maintaining motivation and managing stress are significant challenges.
- Aiming for a warehouse job, Raul expresses his preferences, steering clear of positions involving cooking or customer service.
- Isaac shows a willingness to adapt and take on any available opportunity in the workplace-wellness or health-and-careers sectors to secure a living.
- Robert Sinatra, a Novara resident with a decade in retail, seeks a foothold in the food service industry for a second chance, viewing the job fair as a springboard for career development.
- Martina Rauccio, a social health worker, explores various job roles and finds the Job Fair a perfect platform for potential career opportunities in education-and-self-development or business.
- Daniele Bignami and Daniela Bonazza, both seeking new job opportunities, face the same challenge in their advanced ages, where their years of experience may overshadow their resumes, and they must highlight their adaptability to secure employment.
