ALBANY PARK — Take a step toward earning a paycheck at Whole Foods instead of spending one.

On Friday, Dec. 6, the Albany Park Community Center will host a prescreening session for those interested in available positions at Chicago area Whole Foods' stores.

The prescreen will take place from noon to 4 p.m., 5101 N. Kimball Ave. Attendees must register between noon and 1 p.m. to be eligible for a prescreen.

Those interested should bring a resume and dress in professional attire. No previous experience is required but potential applicants should have reliable transportation and be able to work weekends and evenings.

Casey Smagala, project coordinator, is overseeing the effort for the community center, having connected with a Whole Foods recruiter at a recent job fair.

"She told me, 'We have plenty of openings and we're not finding the right talent to fill them,'" said Smagala.

The center recently held pre-interviews for Mariano's so doing the same for Whole Foods seemed a natural fit.

"We will prescreen candidates and pass on their resume, our prescreen form and a referral," said Smagala.

"If we have a relationship with a business and we can make a referral, at least the employer knows they're prepared," he said. "We're sending higher-qualified candidates. It saves the business time."

Of the 78 people who attended the Mariano's session, the center referred 45 for follow-up interviews.

As with the Mariano's candidates, the center's staff will walk referrals through the online application process.

"It's intimidating for some people," Smagala said. "That's no reason to not get a job."

Those who aren't referred are encouraged to take advantage of Albany Park Community Center's various programs to improve their chances for employment, including ESL and GED classes and childcare services.

"Somebody might get a 'no' to an interview, but they don't get a 'no' to APCC," said Smagala.