Job seekers in the New Iberia area turned out Saturday at the Hampton Inn and Suites for a job fair hosted by Cypress Bayou Casino.

Representatives from the casino resort in Charenton are combing the area from New Iberia to Bayou Vista to get the word out that they are hiring.

“We are looking for dealers, we are looking for food and beverage positions which include front of the house service, culinary as well as engineers along with several other positions,” said Debbie Young, CBC Food and Beverage Director.

Young said the casino host  fairs like the one given Saturday whenever there arises a need for more staff. A fair was held in Bayou Vista last weekend.

Those who came out to apply were allowed to fill out applications and were interviewed on the spot. Among them was 26-year-old Kiara August, a single mother of three.

“I’ve been trying for four months to find a job and it’s hard.” August said.  “I went to college and didn’t finish. I took CNA classes so I have that training, but when it comes to a job opportunity I’m staying open minded.”

August traveled to the job fair from Franklin and brought along with her a relative in 21-year-old Ashalah Cross, a single mother of one.

“ I am open to any job as long as its paying me and I get to talk to customers,” Cross said. “I think my personality is my biggest asset. I’ve just recently started looking but even if I don’t find a job right away I’m not going to get discouraged.”

Maria Boyance is another Cypress Bayou Casino applicant who said she was hoping to land her first job above minimum wage.

“I’m looking for a job $8 and up because I’ve been working minimum wage for five years and as a college student, I need more because it’s a struggle.” Boyance said.

Young said salary ranges vary from department to department but that the casino has a need.

“We’re looking for minimum wage employees all the way up to salaried positions,” Young said. “We are hiring for positions that have a growth opportunity. We have been utilizing persons that come out to the fairs.”