The state's unemployment rate sits at 11.5 percent, this as the government continues to extend unemployment benefits.
But a new retailer to South Florida is holding job fairs to help put people back to work.
"I just want to work. I'm one of those people. I just want to work,” said Sharleen Mcqueen.
Getting that 9 to 5 can be a job in itself. It’s one she’s hoping to retire.
"How can I pay my bills? How can I get out of debt?” are the questions Mcqueen is asking as she looks for work.
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She's one of hundreds applying for new retail positions at Aldi grocery stores opening up in South Florida. People from all backgrounds showing up and putting their best foot forward.
"We had 1,000 people Saturday and we'll have about 800 today," said Operations Director Bob Schmalz.
With more people looking for jobs and more people qualified for jobs, how do you stand out from the rest?
"We look at the job description, how well they fill out the information…we look at relevant work experience and that's what we base the major decision as we call back for first interviews," Schmalz explained.
Many applicants laid off from other jobs, just ready to clock in again.
So as soon as the call comes, they're giving their two weeks notice to sitting at home.
Aldi is holding another job fair Tuesday from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. at the Hampton Inn in Miramar. The company is opening three new stores in South Florida by October and half a dozen more in 2011.
