MatchBridge

Cerina Byrd

Cerina Byrd is a real world example of the value of MatchBridge. Over time, MatchBridge (formerly Jobs for Youth) has established itself as a flexible and responsive hiring resource for Macy’s, as illustrated by the story of Cerina.

“I meet a lot of people,” Cerina Byrd said. “I work in Macy’s Human Resources and I meet employees as well as people who are coming in to apply and I have changed a lot of lives. And I have given people that extra step this opportunity gave me. And I love it.”

Carrie Brandes, a Macy’s Recruitment Manager, remembers her first meeting with Cerina well.

“Two years ago we decided to do an onsite with group interviews” recalls Carrie Brandes, Macy’s Recruitment Manager. “MatchBridge staff selected probably 40 students and we came on and did onsite interviews at United Way. This was a very successful technique and we were able to hire over 20 people in one day. It was fabulous.”

While applying for a temporary sales floor position, Cerina Byrd demonstrated qualities that caught the eye of Macy’s recruiters.

“There was one girl that that just kept answering all the questions, raising her hand, had great things to say” Brandes remembers. “And I thought, ha! – I wasn’t looking for anyone on my team at that point but I really wanted to give her an opportunity.”

“One of the things that we enjoy about working with MatchBridge is that we’re able to call them, tell them what we’re looking for, what type of person, what type of skills that we think would be the best fit for us here at Macy’s. And they’re able to come up with maybe two or ten, depending on the position, really great candidates.”

Over time, Cerina’s diligence and hard work resulted in a permanent, professional staff position at Macy’s.

“Cerina really brings some terrific enthusiasm,” Brandes said. “She wants to learn. She wants to grow. And I think that’s exactly what you get from MatchBridge. You get young adults who want to make an impact, want to make a difference, want to start their career, and she’s been able to do that with us at Macys.”

“The managers really enjoy working with Cerina, her communication style, and she really has a keen eye for what we’re looking for at Macys” Brandes said. “At Macy’s we hire for attitude and train for skill, and she truly is an example of that motto.”

“I love the friendliness that Macys provides and I’m proud to be a part of that team,” said Byrd. “It feels very overwhelming. I’ve really been helped in a deep sincere way with this job.”