The American Dream megamall is not set to open until October, but those operating the mall held a job fair Wednesday to start filling positions.
Hundreds of people gathered at Bergen County Community College in Lyndhurst for the job fair. There are currently 1,200 open positions inside the mall. Potential candidate Anna Pansini says that she has been waiting for this opportunity and is ready to move on from her two part-time jobs.
"I'm looking for a full-time position in marketing or advertising,” she says. "I've seen them build American Dream for 12 years living right down the road and I certainly hope I can help expand them and promote them."
Some who attended the job fair are right out of college and looking for their first jobs.
"It's close. Hopefully, I'd be able to work my way up in the company. I just graduated college and trying to get in the engineering field,” says Justin Esteves.
Positions available include lifeguards for the water park, ride operators within the Nickelodeon theme park, cashiers, maintenance and more. After handing off their resumes, all were told to apply online. The candidates were told they would be contacted in August.
Mall owner Triple Five has said the site would eventually provide for 16,000 jobs Companies like Five Guys Burgers, Sephora and Zales have already put out a notice that they are hiring.
The job fair will continue Thursday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.