The one thing at least 12-percent of state residents are looking for: a job. And the numbers are far worse in the north state, with Shasta County well above 14% unemployment and Tehama and Glenn County not far behind.
Yuba County has the second highest unemployment in the state.
In a special report, Action News set out to find where those jobs are and what job seekers can do to get them.
If it isn't clear to job seekers already, it's tough out there.
Media Consultant Kathy Craigo says, “I think we're still in trouble, there's an awful lot of unemployment in our counties.”
I started looking for openings in the north state in the most logical place: the Internet.
Monster, Craigslist, local jobs websites all have reasonable listings, but it doesn't seem very active just sending a resume into cyberspace.
One-Stop Resource Specialist Danielle Darbro says, “Truthfully there are a lot of different sources to find jobs and it does help to cast a wide net and check all your resources.”
The One-Stop Job Centers from Sutter to Butte County have the resources that can help you land that dream job, and job seekers are starting to catch on.
Business Workforce Specialist Heather Helmer says, “Employers get inundated with applications and resumes and people coming in that we can be that stop gap and put a face to the name.”
And the industries where most jobs are popping up?
Director of the Sutter County One-Stop Job Center Joe D’Anerea says, “We’re always seeing jobs in the medical field, certified nursing assistants, medical assistants, some light industry, welding.”
Darbro says, “Clerical and medical fields are strong.”
But with competition at an all time high, it's hard to stand out in a crowd of motivated job seekers. Experts say the one thing that will set you apart: certified training.
Especially if you have little to no experience in some of the emerging fields.
D’Anerea says, “Training, training, training, get trained for what’s happening in the future, it doesn’t necessarily help now, but then you'll be in line for a good, well paying job down the road.”
Darbro says, “After working with people they discover their skills are transferable and they work in other fields as well.”
Much of the training offered through the job centers is free or covered by unemployment benefits, that includes learning about the future of alternative energy.
D’Anerea says, “They can get training in green technology, the jobs aren’t always there yet, but in 2-3 years, solar, wind and green technology, they’re going to be there.”
To revisiting the basics like resume writing, interviewing skills and customer service training.
The willingness to relocate can also boost your chances of finding a job, and in some cases the one-stop centers will cover the cost of moving.
Helmer says, "We can help with rental assistance, the cost for a moving company or truck to move them, any fees related to moving and relocating.”
Job fairs provide the immediate opportunity to show employers what you have to offer.
Director of Human Resources at Sun Valley David Aronovici says, “You really have to get a sense of who seems motivated about our type of work.”
Job seeker Iris Rodriguez says, “It’s pretty helpful, most people seem to walk away with a lead on a job.”
Finding a job still isn't easy, but with more jobs being listed everyday, it's certainly not impossible.
