Out of work more than a year, Andre Byrd says Friday he's hoping to turn it around. He said he’s a little nervous but feels great.

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Hundreds of people like Byrd are heading to Crowne Plaza in McLean for a hiring fair run by Target.

It's three-days of applications and interviews. Target intends to fill 400 new jobs based in Merrifield, where a new store is set to open in October.

"It is really exciting to be opening up a new store and watching it grow,” says Dave Herlihy, a Target team leader.

It's a crucial opportunity for the unemployed. Jobless claims edged up this month, topping more than 360,000 nationwide.

"You know, not having a job is scary in itself,” said Maryland resident William Mason. “I didn't know how long it was going to be before I obtained one due to the number of those unemployed."

But Mason says he got lucky and nabbed a job on the spot.

"Like a gorilla was lifted off my shoulders, not having a job. And being able to come here and get some job security, it made me feel a little better,” Mason says.

The fair runs until 7 p.m. Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Crowne Plaza. Applicants must apply early. Click here for more.