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On the hunt
Despite record-low unemployment,
finding a job takes savvy
Mikelle Hunt moved to Mililani last year from the Northwest in search of a job after corporate downsizing cut her position as a business development coordinator.
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"There seemed to be an endless amount of places to apply here, but every time I sent my resume, it disappeared -- just like socks in the dryer," Hunt said, but added that lately employers have been more interested.
Last week, Hunt went on two job interviews, the most she's had in a long time.
"I'm optimistic," Hunt said. "I know it's going to get better."
While Hunt is gaining confidence in the job market, she's still finding that despite statistics promising thousands of new opportunities, it's still tough in Hawaii to find a good-paying job in the right location with reasonable hours. While more jobs have been created by an improving economy, it's also spurred more people to go after the jobs.
"Hawaii's job market has changed dramatically in the last 90 days," said Judy Bishop, manager of CTA Staffing. "There are many, many more jobs than there have been in a decade."
About 19,800 jobs have been created in the past year and Hawaii's unemployed population has dropped to 18,750 from 27,400, according to data released Thursday by the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. Since January, the number of people employed in Hawaii has grown by 8,100. The state's unemployment rate remains at 3 percent, a level often considered equivalent to full employment.
Jobs have grown in traditional office, hotel, real estate and construction sectors and new areas like cruise ships, television and movies. The construction boom has spurred growth in a variety of sectors as more companies need service-oriented jobs, such as receptionists and customer service representatives.
Despite tightening labor conditions, employers aren't rushing to hire just anyone to fill positions. The labor market is only hot for applicants who bring the right skills with them, said Chris McColgan, executive director of the Oahu Workforce Investment Board.
Since many workers competing for entry-level jobs lack high school diplomas or post-secondary degrees, companies are selective, McColgan said.
Wal-Mart and Sam's Club have collected more than 4,500 applications for the Keeaumoku stores since opening hiring offices in Oahu last month, said Cynthia Lin, spokeswoman for Wal-Mart.
"Candidates who are looking for jobs should have many choices, but they can't lower their standards because employer demands are higher," CTA's Bishop said, adding that competition between qualified applicants is fierce and many employers are still taking a long time to hire.
"The boom in the economy has taken them off guard," Bishop said.
It's natural in a growing economy to end up with labor force pressures, said state economist Pearl Imada Iboshi.
"People change jobs or move when the economic situation is not favorable and the opposite is true when it's good," she said.
Though it is becoming harder for employers to find talent, Hawaii's labor market hasn't shifted to benefit job seekers, said Roberto Katekaru, family member employment assistance program manager at the Kaneohe Bay Marine Corps Base.
"Hawaii still has an employers' market. Through every economic peak and valley, it's always been that way," Katekaru said. "It's a state surrounded by water and employers know that you can't just pick up and go to the next state to look for another job."
Because Hawaii's job market often is more competitive and offers fewer perks than many mainland cities, it's important for job seekers to study the market, Katekaru said.
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"The time it takes to find a job varies upon the expectation of an individual," he said. "A person who is willing to work at all hours anyplace on the island or will travel to where the job is and doesn't have problems with personal matters can find a job right away. Others may find it takes much longer."
Traditionally, Hawaii's employers can afford to require more and offer less than those on the mainland, McColgan said.
"Experience is important, but lately more employers want to see degrees and training," she said, adding that Oahu offers many resources to help jobseekers get ahead.
Prospective employees can visit one of seven WorkLinks offices or other agencies to identify and hone job skills, obtain training or referrals, get feedback on their resume and practice interviewing techniques, she said.
Some female job seekers stymied by the market have turned to programs like Dress for Success, a Honolulu nonprofit that suits women for job interviews by giving away free clothes and career advice.
"A suit is like a woman's life vest. When she's wearing it, she sees herself as a successful, powerful woman," said Isla Morley, Dress for Success program coordinator.
The program helps jobseekers like Blanche Yamauchi, who despite filling out hundreds of job applications since graduating from Castle High School four years ago, still hasn't landed a job, or much less a nibble.
"It's really frustrating, but many of my friends are in the same situation," Yamauchi said, hunching her shoulders while trying on a royal blue suit for an upcoming practice job interview.
"You look lovely," Morley said.
"And, the job situation is getting better."
Yamouchi turned and faced the mirror, studying her reflection from the tips of her borrowed shoes to the sparkling pin on her collar.
"I hope so," she said, and went out the door, briefcase in hand.
www.oahuworklinks.com