Over 100 people patiently waited in line at 8 a.m. Tuesday hoping to be selected for a position at a DHL job fair in Hebron.
The job seekers wanted to be among the new 850 third shift package sorters selected by DHL when it reopens its hub at the Cincinnati Northern Kentucky International Airport. That's why they began showing up several hours before the job fair was scheduled to begin.
The job fair, which was scheduled to run from Noon until 5:30 p.m., at the Cincinnati Airport Marriot Hotel is unfortunately no longer accepting applicants.
DHL says they have been overwhelmed with applications so both of Tuesday's sessions are closed.
However, DHL says they will be holding job sessions every Tuesday for the next seven weeks. There will be 100 available seats for each session.
The shipper is using Tuesday's job fair to fill 180 full time and 650 part time positions.
Even with getting to the fair extra early, some aren't too optimistic about their chances for one of the coveted jobs. Diane Foster of Cincinnati says she got to the job fair site at 4:30 a.m. Tuesday. Is she optimistic about landing a DHL job? Diane says, "No, I'm not just because I feel bad for everybody."
"Oh, there's just nothing out there. There's just no jobs out there," said Val Penick of Fort Mitchell.
It's been a long road for DHL employees and the Wilmington community as the DHL saga continues to unfold.
DHL says it welcomes having former Wilmington DHL, Astar and ABX workers reapply for their old jobs. Those jobs were significantly downsized and are now in the process of being moved to Hebron and the Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Airport.
Overall, Clinton County estimates it lost close to 8,000 jobs directly when DHL eliminated its Northern American parcel shipping in January to concentrate only on International deliveries.
Penick says she's just happy an international company has decided to make a new investment in Northern Kentucky.
DHL says applicants should be able to continuously lift 50 pound packages, and occasionally handle up to 70 pound parcels, without assistance.
Also, DHL says applicants must be able to pass a 10 year background check and a drug screen. Potential employees are asked to bring a driver's license or state ID card and be prepared to show 10 years of work history to take part in the fair.
Officials recommend job seekers arrive early and get in line as soon as you get to the job fair. You will receive a number and only the first 100 applicants for each session will be able to attend.
The Cincinnati Airport Marriott Hotel is at 2395 Progress Drive just off the KY 20 exit from Interstate 275.
