Expert says persistence is key to finding work

by Kelli Cheatham (kcheatham@wsbt.com)

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WorkOne workshops for unemployed RV workers

WorkOne has began offering workshops at the Nappanee library. Officials say they've noticed a large manufacturing base coming in for questions and job related services. (WSBT photo)

By WSBT News1

Story Created: Sep 23, 2008 at 5:51 AM EST

Story Updated: Sep 23, 2008 at 9:21 AM EST

SOUTH BEND — If you're looking for a job, you're not alone. The unemployment rates in both Indiana and Michigan are higher than the national average of 6.1 percent. Michigan's is the highest in the country. But some industries are hiring.

"I think the best advice is to totally be open," said Jay Wilkinson, President and CEO of Peoplelink Staffing. "I think there are opportunities out there. You've got to be willing to be consistent, you've got to be willing to be constantly in the market, looking for opportunities."

Peoplelink is a staffing firm based in South Bend, with more than 70 offices throughout the country. Its clients are businesses searching for employees.

The main areas of concentration at Peoplelink are commercial staffing — administrative and clerical jobs or manufacturing. Wilkinson told WSBT his office has definitely seen more local people looking for jobs, rather than businesses looking for workers.

His best advice is to be persistent and put yourself out there so employers can find you.

"The one thing people don't realize is even in a down economy like we're seeing right now, if there are opportunities and skills people have and companies can identify with those, they'll definitely snap at it," Wilkinson said.

Peoplelink told WSBT people who are searching for jobs should NOT believe all the "gloom and doom" they hear and read. He agrees the economy is tight now, but says companies are still selling products.

That means companies are pushing forward, looking for new markets, new buyers and new opportunities.

Wilkinson said there are millions of state and federal dollars available for job training. They can be found at IN.gov,
Michigan.gov and USA.gov.

Finally, Wilkinson urges people in search of work to contact their local state representatives and members of Congress. He says taxpayers need to hold those elected officials accountable when it comes to finding a job.

More helpful links:

Peoplelink Staffing

Career Builder

Indiana Career Connect

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