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SOUTH TAMPA, Florida -- If you want to know how motivated people are for a decent job in this economy, check out the new Walmart job center in South Tampa.
Since opening this month, the strip-mall store-front has seen a steady stream of applicants.
"It would mean a lot to me," said 19-year-old Jami Ward.
For the South Tampa resident, a steady income would be a godsend in this economy. Her biggest motivation: a 4-month-old son, named Julian.
"I just had a baby in May," says Ward, "So I was like, 'Finally, something to go to work for,' because I have been out of work since I had the baby."
For Ward, there's good news. Today she made it through to a second round of interviews for one of 300 job openings.
"Just having a job there would be great and being able to move-up, maybe into corporate or something bigger one day," she says.
Walmart says it's hiring across the board, from greeters to managers. But competition is fierce for those 300 positions.
There have already been more than 1,500 applications completed, and they expect to double that number by the time the process closes in about two weeks.
Inside the hiring and application center on Gandy Blvd a few blocks away from where the construction is taking place, there's a steady stream of applicants sitting down at computer terminals answering a long list of questions.
Deborah Thompson, who is a substitute teacher looking for other work, says the process took about half and hour.
"I think it went smooth. I mean, I think it's a great opportunity for people to get over here and apply."
Walmart store manager Brian Lemelin says the company "..is excited to bring good jobs with career opportunities to the area."
And with an unemployment rate around 13% in the region, there's no shortage of people who are just as excited to apply for them.
Their efforts, they hope, earning them a blue vest, and the paycheck that comes with it.
"I just need money so I can take care of my bills," says Jackie Boyd on her way out of the application center, "It's hard when you don't have money to do the things you need to do."
Walmart is still taking applications for another couple of weeks.
The company says applicants can stop by the hiring office located at 4644 W Gandy Blvd in Tampa Monday thru Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Job seekers can also apply online, or at any of Walmart's other stores. But the job interviews will take place at the location on Gandy Blvd.
Eric Glasser, 10 News
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