Local

Finding Employment Remains Difficult for Some

April 9th, 2013

Despite recent drops in both the local and state unemployment rates, a number of job seekers are still having trouble finding work. That’s the case for many attending a job fair Tuesday at a Holiday Inn located at the Perimeter.

The broadcast version of this story.

It’s been a year and a half since Shakira McClendon has had full-time work.

“If you were to look at my resume and see my qualifications, there should be no reason why it’s taken me this long to find employment.”

McClendon worked in purchasing for a manufacturing wholesale company. After losing her job, she’s had to work minimum wage and part-time jobs to pay her bills. But she’s remaining optimistic and says there are visible signs the economy is improving.

“This is actually my third job fair within the month, so that’s a good sign to me.”

Several employers hiring at the job fair also say things are getting better. Mairym Herandez is manager at Shane Company in Alpharetta.

“A year ago I would say we probably six sales associates on the floor, whereas now we’re going to have probably closer to twelve to thirteen, so we’re hiring people like crazy.”

But some say the available jobs don’t pay enough. 53-year-old Mark Anthony Mitchell has been searching for full-time employment for two years.

“You have a lot of service jobs opening up, but as far as jobs that men can be men and take care of their families no that’s on the decline, and I hate to say this but I think it’s going to get worse before it gets better.”

Mitchell was working as an inner city pastor when a four-year-grant that supported his ministry ran out. He started his own 501(c)3 [a type of nonprofit organization], Rebuild the City, Inc., but to feed his family he’s had to downsize his home and work part-time jobs. Despite the difficulty, he’s staying positive.

“I’m supposed to be getting a teaching job at private institution in August. I was recently hired to be a host at TGIF at the airport. Something’s going to fall. I don’t know when, but I’m pretty optimistic.”