A Sears call center in Mobile planned to hire about 200 customer service and sales representatives in early 2009, creating one of the larger local hiring opportunities reported during a difficult economic period.
The national company operated a call center on Demetropolis Road, one of roughly 20 such locations in the United States. Workers there handled calls from customers across the country.
Customer service and sales roles
Sears said the available positions included helping customers obtain parts and service for appliances, lawn equipment and garden equipment. Other roles involved customer-service work, including handling complaints and supporting stores.
Sheila Baudy of Sears said the company was increasing hiring ahead of the lawn and garden season, which began in April. An employee described the work as a changing environment with daily interaction with customers from around the country.
Other local public-sector openings
The report also noted job openings through the Mobile County Personnel Board. The board recruited for city and county departments, including the Mobile County Racing Commission, the Mobile County Emergency Management Association and the Mobile County Health Department.
Personnel Board Director Donald Dees said openings covered a range of agencies, offering opportunities beyond the call-center positions. Applicants interested in the Sears work were directed to apply in person at the Demetropolis Road location.
The 2009 announcement offered a measure of welcome employment news for Mobile amid a recession that had brought layoffs and uncertainty to many local industries. It also showed how customer-service operations and public agencies remained important sources of jobs in the region.