Word on the street

I spoke to a retail manager today while job developing, and he gave this summary of the hiring for a new store:

500 applicants
200 interviews
37 temporary hires

9 out of the 37 will be kept on permanently after the pre-opening work is complete.

A co-worker and I visited 4 employers this afternoon in inner NE Portland. Although none of them are currently hiring, there were bright spots in that 3 of them had made recent hires and the 4th expects to do some hiring in April. Plus, the managers at each place were friendly and helpful. Each invited us to check in periodically and send information on our program.

Job developing (and job search) frequently reminds me of The Endless Summer, in which the stars would reach a surf spot with disappointing waves and be told, "You should have been here yesterday."