Like Alicia, dozens of young people got up early to try to secure one of the jobs available during the upcoming festivities. Some had been waiting even before the selection process began, scheduled to start at 9:00 a.m. Résumé in hand, a little patience and, in many cases, the nerves that come with facing an interview were enough to take part in a recruitment drive seeking different profiles to work during the Pilar Fiestas as waiters, kitchen assistants or warehouse workers.
The procedure, as Alicia explains after experiencing it firsthand, is quite straightforward. Applicants must bring a résumé with a photograph and, before the interview, complete another form provided by the organizers. "You go in, hand over the résumé you brought as well as the one they gave you here at the entrance, which is basically about filling in your experience and availability," she explains.
Then comes the face-to-face interview. It is a brief conversation in which the questions focus especially on each candidate's experience and availability to work over the coming weeks. "They ask you a little about what experience you've had. In my case, for example, they asked me if I knew how to change a keg," Alicia says.
ESPACIO ZITY, HER FIRST CHOICE
Availability is also one of the issues discussed, and not only for the Pilar Fiestas. "They asked me if I wanted to add anything else, if I had anything more to say, and a little about my availability, because apart from the Pilar Fiestas, they also have other events in October," she says. Alicia
When it comes to choosing a venue, she is quite clear. Espacio Zity is among her preferred options. Working at the food trucks, on the other hand, seems somewhat more complicated to her because she lacks experience and specific training. "I have no experience handling food, so I don't think they'll give me anything at the food trucks," she admits.
Hundreds of young people gathered on Paseo Echegaray y Caballero on Wednesday to apply for a job. Photo: Pilar Álvarez
Experience is precisely one of the main unknowns for many of the young people who came to Echegaray on Wednesday. In Alicia's case, the interview represented a double first: not only was it her first time taking part in this selection process, but it was also her first job interview. The nerves were there before she went in, although she came out with a positive impression. "The woman was nice. I was a bit nervous because it was my first interview. I had never worked before," she says.
Now the most difficult part begins: waiting. The strong response to the recruitment drive makes Alicia cautious about her chances of ultimately getting one of the positions. "I hope they call me, but you know, with so many people, realistically it will be difficult," she admits.
TRADING A FEW HOURS OF FUN FOR EXTRA MONEY
Getting the job would also mean making a small sacrifice. While thousands of Zaragoza residents enjoy concerts, bars and some of the busiest areas of the Pilar Fiestas, Alicia could be working in one of them. Far from putting her off, she sees it as a good opportunity to earn her first income.
"Although it takes away a little of your time to enjoy the festivities, it's worthwhile. You always make a bit of money during the Pilar Fiestas, now that you don't have as much studying to do," she explains. The sentence sums up the approach taken by many young people who attended the recruitment drive: sacrificing a few hours of leisure during the festivities in exchange for gaining experience and earning extra income.
