By Eric Fetters
Herald Writer
EVERETT — Kathryn Requa doesn’t need statistics to tell her whether the job market is improving. She can count how many people come into her office at Everett Community College.
Despite national signs that the recession is over, those looking for work locally are finding tough times.
"It’s still difficult to find a job," said Requa, program coordinator the college’s Student Employment Referral Center. "We’re thinking it takes anywhere from three to six months to land a job. That’s what we’re advising people."
Requa offered her assessment to community members and EvCC students who attended a job hunting workshop on Monday. She was joined by other speakers from the college and the private sector.
Snohomish County’s jobless rate hit 8 percent in January, while the statewide rate rose to 8.2 percent. That’s made it easy to get frustrated if you’re unemployed and looking for work.
Requa told her audience to apply for jobs they really want, rather than everything listed in the classified ads. Applying for work and being rejected repeatedly can burn emotional and physical energy.
"It is tough work," Requa said. "Think of looking for a job as a job itself — but with no pay."
Networking becomes even more critical in a down economy, because employers often don’t need to advertise open positions if there are plenty of willing applicants, she said.
She and Catharine Martin, who works in EvCC’s Career Advising and Counseling Center, also pointed out that job seekers can gain work experience and meet prospective employers by volunteering for nonprofit agencies.
Pamela Baker, who works for the Lynnwood district office of Safeway, said her company should be hiring new employees as business picks up this spring. Those applying for jobs with Safeway these days include a number of people who might not ordinarily apply for retail jobs — including people laid off from the aerospace industry.
Because of the recession, Requa said Everett Community College is offering more job-related workshops, including two more later this week. For details, call 425-388-9279 or check EvCC’s Web site at www.evcc.ctc.edu.
You can call Herald Writer Eric Fetters at 425-339-3453
or send e-mail to fetters@heraldnet.com.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.