Job fair becomes ‘hiring party’ at YMCA of Honolulu

One Hawaii business is putting a twist on the traditional job fair in an effort to attract new employees amid a difficult hiring environment.

The YMCA of Honolulu on Sunday held the first of three “hiring parties” where would-be job applicants can use Y fitness facilities, enjoy music, eat free food and interview for a job.

“It’s a very competitive and challenging (hiring) environment right now,” said Lisa Ontai, vice president of marketing and mission advancement for the nonprofit organization. “We just need to do what we need to do to make sure we have the quality employees to continue to run our programs.”

The Y needs to fill more than 200 part- and full-time jobs for its A+ after-school programs at public schools on Oahu as well as for eight Y facilities and programs that include Camp Erdman in Mokuleia and the Waianae Coast Youth Program Center.

Typically, the Y has a seasonal hiring need for about 100 employees, but after government-imposed coro-na­virus prevention restrictions on gyms and distance learning in schools last year, the organization has a bigger-­than-usual hiring need at a time when many businesses are finding it difficult to find employees despite a high unemployment rate in Hawaii.

The two upcoming “hiring parties” are scheduled for 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday at the Leeward Y and at the Nuuanu Y from 7 to 9 p.m. These events follow a similar event held Sunday at the Kaimuki-Waialae Y.

Ontai said the opportunity to swim in the pool, work out on weight machines or participate in a Zumba class outside of normal Y operating hours gives potential job applicants a chance to see what they could enjoy as an employee because free Y membership is an employee benefit. Discounts on Y programs that include child care, camps and swim lessons also are part of employee benefits.

Because finding employees is extra challenging at the moment, the Y is offering $50 to new hires during the recruiting events. The organization also is offering a $100 credit to existing members and a $100 bonus to existing employees who refer a job candidate who gets hired.

Greg Waibel, Y president and CEO, said in a statement that the organization’s greatest need is for A+ program leaders.

“With schools returning to in-person instruction, we now have 59 school sites across Oahu that we will be providing A+ After School programs at,” he said. “It’s a great job for those looking for a fun, friendly and fast-paced work environment with flexible hours, and the opportunity to gain career-­building experience while making a positive impact in our community.”

Reserving a spot at one of the Friday events is required in advance and can be done at ymcahonolulu.org or by calling 678-4296.