DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. -- Thousands turned out in DeKalb County with hopes of landing a job at metro Atlanta's newest Wal-Mart.

The prospective employees' chances could be likened to a lottery with nearly 8,000 people vying for 450 jobs.

The applicants are all hoping for a spot at the fourth super Wal-Mart inside the Interstate 285 perimeter.

Members of the Georgia Department of Labor and the DeKalb County Workforce Department are sifting through applications from people like Deanna Gaddy, who are now working several part-time jobs.

"It's easier here for a right to work," Gaddy said. "In a fire-at-will area, you may not have permanency in your job position."

Justin Thomas said he's had difficulty finding jobs -- even after recently graduating from college.

"Since I came out of school, I've been looking for jobs," Thomas said. "The workforce is pretty much, is just work for whoever you can."

Others have been victims of circumstance, like Yvonne Russell, and rewarding opportunities appear scarce.

"I worked on a job for 23 years," Russell said. "It's just that the job downsized and laid off a lot of people."

The new Wal-Mart could provide not only jobs for non- and under-employed, but could spur economic growth.

Local church leader pastor George Moore said the job opportunities coincide with existing efforts to help the community.

"We do have opportunities for resume preparedness and job skills in the church to assist people seeking jobs," Moore said.

Wal-Mart will be open to train people beginning Jan. 28 and is scheduled to open on March 7.

Salaries will range between $8 and $10 per hour.