Hundreds wait in line for job applications in Queens

QUEENS (WABC) -- Grit and determination seem more important than a resume for hundreds of job seekers who are camped out on a street in Long Island City over the weekend.

Monday morning, 750 applications were handed out for a job as a union elevator repairman. Only 75 of the 750 applicants, or one-tenth of them, will be offered a job - first as an apprentice and then as a union member for life.

"I don't care if I have to wait three days in snow, rain, I'll do anything for my family," job seeker Hector Ilarraza said.

Right now, the unemployment rate in New York state is at 9 percent, making that kind of job security like gold.

"That's it, that's what you want," Ronnie Schiotis said. "You want the job security, the benefits. And if you want to have a family, this is job security."

Jesse Freeman arrived at 4 a.m. Friday and was the very first person in line.

"The economy now is so hard to find people hiring that four nights on the street, it could be worth it," Freeman said.

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new york city, jobs, job hunting, unemployment, queens, local news, lucy yang

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