Monroe unemployment rate 3 percent lower than Ind. state average

Unemployment rates might be high statewide, but numbers remain low in Monroe County.

Since April, Indiana’s unemployment rate climbed — and stayed — at 10 percent, according to a list compiled by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The Indiana Department of Workforce Development ranked Monroe County as having the third lowest unemployment rate in the state at seven percent during the month of May.

This is in stark contrast to counties such as Elkhart County, which reported an unemployment rate of 13.7 percent in May, according to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.

Valerie Kroeger, assistant communications director for the Department of Workforce Development, isn’t sure exactly why Monroe County in particular has such a relatively low unemployment rate. She said it might have something to do with the fact that two of the largest employers in Monroe County, IU and Cook Group Inc., have survived the recession thus far.

Although Monroe County has one of the lowest levels of unemployment in the state, finding a job isn’t necessarily easy.  

“I believe it is more difficult to get a job than it was a year ago,” said Jennifer Chaffin, director of Libraries Human Resources, in an e-mail. “The demand for work is higher than it’s been in recent memory, and the supply is lower. ... We’ve gone from seeing 35 to 50 applications for every vacancy to well over 100, sometimes as many as 200.”

Currently, there are fewer jobs and more applicants for most job opportunities, Lucas said.

“The competition is fierce for those few jobs that are out there, and departments are focused on how they can save money, which often means eliminating or not filling positions,” said Chris Lucas, assistant director for Human Resources for Residential Programs and Services.  

RPS and IU Libraries are two of the largest employers on the IU campus, Lucas said. He also said that RPS employs about 1,800 people and the libraries employ about 900, including both staff and hourly positions.

IU students are often fighting for jobs outside the University at places such as fast food chains.

IU alumnus Kyle Pedigo has worked at the Bloomington Marsh Supermarket for the past three years. Prior to working at the Bloomington Marsh, he worked at one in West Lafayette. Even after receiving his diploma, Pedigo continues to work there. But Pedigo said he isn’t quite sure how the hiring process works for new or potential employees.

“All of the sudden we have, like, four new people, and I have no idea how they got on or if they knew someone,” Pedigo said. “Back up in West Lafayette, if you knew the manager you got hired. It helps to know someone on the inside.”

It might seem rather bleak, but there are a few things students can do to increase their appeal to new employers.

“In times like these, it’s especially important to make sure you have an outstanding resume and cover letter,” Chaffin said. “When you have 100 applicants, a poorly written cover letter, misspelled words and poor grammar — that really stands out and can eliminate you quickly. If you are invited for an interview, be prepared. Again, you’re competing with dozens of other applicants so you must be able to communicate how your experience makes you the best candidate for the position.”