Red Roof Inn Springfield center to hire workers

A Springfield call center for an international hotel chain will take part in two job fairs next week as the business ramps up for its upcoming busy season and continued growth.

The Red Roof Inn is looking for about 15 hourly sales agents who will be based at the company’s contact center at 1650 Upper Valley Pike. Those hired would perform a variety of duties, including taking reservations and responding to questions from customers, said Linda Gillis, director of the Springfield center.

The economy hotel chain, based in Columbus, operates more than 500 hotels across the U.S. and has expanded to some international locations in recent years. The chain is looking to gain a larger footprint in the central and western U.S., she said.

“We’re coming into the busy season and our business is constantly expanding because the brand itself normally will add 60 to 80 new properties a year,” Gillis said. “It’s just due to growth in the company, really,”

OhioMeansJobs Clark County will host job fairs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 16, and Friday, Jan. 19, at the agency’s office at 1345 Lagonda Ave. in Springfield. Applicants are asked to bring an updated resume that includes a working phone number and email address.

OhioMeansJobs Clark County recently hosted a similar event for Konecranes, a Springfield manufacturing firm.

The company is looking for workers who are computer literate, punctual and have reliable transportation. Potential employees must also have flexible schedules and be able to work on weekends. Applicants who are unable to attend the hiring events also can drop off resumes at the contact center at 1650 Upper Valley Pike across from the Upper Valley Mall.

Wages start at $10 per hour but Red Roof Inn also offers incentives including bonuses, she said. There are also opportunities to advance within the company, she said. Shifts will be staggered, generally between 1 p.m. to 1 a.m.

“We’ll be hiring 15 people this round, then we’ll be hiring another 15 in March and possibly another 15 in April,” Gillis said.

The contact center currently employs about 220 people, although more than 180 of those work from home, she said. Those who apply can work at the call center or from their home if eligible, she said. Those who work from home must be full-time employees with Internet access. The company supplies all other necessary equipment.

“It all depends on the agent and what they’re looking for,” Gillis said.

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If you go

What: Red Roof Inn contact center hiring event

Where: OhioMeansJobs Clark County, 1345 Lagonda Ave., Building A

When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 16, and Friday, Jan. 19

Recruiting for: Contact center reservation agents

For more information: Call 937-327-1961

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