New Seasons screens over 1,000 job applicants

The company expects to hire 100 new faces and move 75 current employees from its 10 Portland-area stores to help launch the Progress Ridge location, slated to open in September, according to Mary Lou Keeran, staffing manager.

On Thursday, the job fair looked more like a picnic than a suit-and-tie interview. A range of applicants -- including teenagers, young professionals and middle-aged mothers -- lounged on a grassy amphitheater while they waited two hours or more for an appointment. Music was playing. New Seasons provided snacks and drinks.

The casual environment reflected the company's philosophy of openness and a warm attitude. Managers rated applicants based on enthusiasm, friendliness, customer service skills and overall "cultural fit," categories listed on the lime-green applications.

Read more at OregonLive.com.

{biztweet}new seasons{/biztweet}