By Sarah Whitman
Senior Staff Writer
Even though the unemployment rate in Pasco County rose to 14.3 percent and Hillsborough to 12.7 percent in January, economists say people should not lose hope.
“It’s typical in a recession cycle for unemployment to continue to rise even after recovery has started,” said John Hagen, president of the Pasco Economic Development Council. “Employers are reluctant to hire until they see the economy has really turned around. Things should start to pick up after the dust settles but that isn’t a lot of comfort to people who are out of work right now.”
David Hamilton, management consultant for the Pasco Hernando Workforce Board, said the situation is harsh.
“Lay-offs keep happening and none of the major markets are hiring right now,” he said
“Retail is flat, government isn’t hiring, schools aren’t hiring. It’s the economic conditions we’re in.”
Hamilton is a consultant with Career Central, a program sponsored by the Pasco Hernando Work Force Board to help the unemployed find work. The program has three offices and a mobile unit where people can go to get advice and find out about possible job opportunities. Offices are located in Spring Hill, New Port Richey and at 6038 Gall Blvd. in Zephyrhills. The mobile unit will be at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Center from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 26.
“We work with people so they can be prepared and have their resumes ready,” Hamilton said. “It’s all about how you present yourself.”
Michael Blanchard of Land O’ Lakes has been out of work for more than two years. He previously worked as an insurance adjuster.
“I’ve sent out more than 100 resumes,” he said. “I’ve had three call backs and one interview. I haven’t been able to land anything.”
Hamilton said competition is fierce for the few jobs that are out there. He encourages applicants to learn how to network. He suggests carrying a flash drive with a resume on it and keeping it on hand at all times.
Vonnie Mikkelsen, executive director of the Zephyrhills Chamber, has similar advice.
“You have to get out and about, even if you don’t feel like it sometimes,” she said. “It’s important to go to networking groups and keep current on your skills. Volunteering is also good because you’re out meeting people and have access to job leads.”
Hamilton said there are fields looking to hire these days.
“In the Pasco area, there is growth in the health care field,” he said. “It’s also good if you have a very specific technical skill, like if you’re a welder.”
Jerry Karp, a business analyst with the Small Business Development Center in Lutz, said entrepreneurship is on the rise.
“There’s been an increase in the number of people seeking counsel on how to start up a business,” Karp said. “They can’t find a job, so they want to know what they can do to go to work for themselves.”
The unemployment rate for the state of Florida is recorded at 11.9 percent. More than a million Floridians are job searching.
Mikkelsen hopes to see the market change soon.
“This situation is a great concern to all of us in the business of business,” she said. “It’s extremely frustrating. We’re hoping to see it bottom out soon and then start getting better.”
