Center gives jobseekers hope

The unemployment rate for Monroe County dropped in August to 3.7, much lower than the national average of 5.0, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. This number indicates the estimated percentage of people who are not working, but actively seeking a job. \n"Job gains in services, government and construction were largely offset by losses in manufacturing and retail jobs," the Bureau of Labor Statistics Web site stated.\nThere are 8.1 million unemployed people in the country, while 6.8 million held more than one job. \nBut, full-time students seeking jobs sometimes fall through the statistical cracks. It may appear that unemployment is low in Bloomington, but many students are facing difficulties finding part-time work. \nSophomore Tiffany Afseth applied to 15 places in six weeks and had three interviews. \n"It is impossible to know what a certain employer wants to hear," Afseth said. \n"Employers turn down five of every six young job applicants," the Indiana Workforce Development Web site stated. \nDue to this problem, additional resources are available to students.\nThe Career Development Center on campus helps currently enrolled students and their spouses find part-time, temporary or summer jobs. \n"Studies show that approximately 68 percent of college students work while attending classes, with equal or better GPAs," said Jan Nickless, the associate director for the career center. This provides them with financial independence and a feeling of self-worth, he said. \nAfseth said she had hoped for a 15 to 20 hour job for spending money for gas, Christmas presents and spring break. \nNickless said it is valuable to gain practical work experience and enhance skills like responsibility and time management. Working also helps students adjust to a new environment and get more involved in Bloomington. \n"A part-time job is the foundation in making yourself highly marketable after graduation," Nickless said. \nEmployers want someone who can follow instructions, work as a team and serve customers. Certain skills in software, typing and word processing are also in demand.\nExperience is not critical if a student has significant involvement in organizations that require leadership or teamwork. Anything that proves responsibility for an extended period of time is helpful. \nA resume helps to get a better sense of past work experience and skills. Knowing your qualifications and having direction puts you ahead, Nickless said. \nAfseth had a resume and compiled a work history, which she said helped with campus applications. \nOne major problem is that class times often conflict with office hours. Employers need block hours. Retailers and restaurants have the best flexible night and weekend hours. \nFour of the top ten "Hot Jobs" for Monroe County dealt with food service, according to the Department of Workforce Development Web site. \n"I got to the point where I applied anywhere," said Afseth, who used the classifieds and Student Employment Office Web site, connected with the career center.\nAt Tenth and the Bypass, Express Personnel Services offers computer training, resume building and locates employment for members of the community. After an interview, this temporary agency has ongoing placement, as long as the applicant keeps in touch. \n"It's another way of networking," said Kevin Kregg, a supervisor with Express Personnel Services. "Interviewing with 30 companies at once is time saving and continuous."\nOffering clerical, light industrial and general labor positions, students can also get part-time catering, landscaping or housekeeping jobs. \nKregg said employers often want students because they are intelligent, hard working and goal oriented. \nThe Career Development Center also lists clerical, technical and manual positions. Lab assistants, child care and telemarketing are a few jobs listed on the Web site that can be utilized 24 hours a day, on and off campus. With a description, pay rate and necessary skills, students can contact the businesses directly. \nJob shadowing, interning during the summer, studying abroad or enrolling in the career development and job searching classes helps students "choose a career they love, so they never have to work a day in their life," Nickless said.