How To Get Yorkers Working
By Ann Gdovin
(York Sunday News, May 8, 2005)

York County's unemployment rate for March, the most recent figure available, stood at 4.7 percent - higher than the rates in nearby counties, but lower than both the state and national averages. So, we should be proud, right? It could be worse, but there's little reason to rejoice. Even at the current rate, nearly 10,000 of our neighbors are out of work, and the exodus of jobs out of York County continues.

More than 300 workers in the southern part of the county lost their jobs after Fypon Ltd. announced in December it was selling out to a competitor. More recently, Susquehanna Pfaltzgraff said we should expect job losses when the company sells two of its flagship businesses. In fact, the state of Pennsylvania has already approved federal funds to retrain Pfaltzgraff workers who lose their jobs.

So, there's a paradox in York County. The unemployment rate is relatively low, meaning that the county's employers are clamoring for good people. But there are also thousands of unemployed workers - and thousands more who are underemployed - looking for jobs. How can this be?

Part of the reason involves the gradual shift we've seen in the local economy from manufacturing to service jobs. Those who lose a job in manufacturing may not be qualified for - or interested in - a position in another sector.

But there are other factors that are fueling the jobs paradox in York County - factors that we have the ability to change. In my job as president of a local staffing company, I speak with employers and jobseekers every day. Those on both sides of the interview table can do more to ensure people are in the positions they want and businesses aren't left understaffed.

For jobseekers, they first must accept responsibility, and not just for a "job search." They must make definitive choices about how they want to spend their lives. Defining what you want is difficult, but ultimately it's the only sure path to a fulfilling career. The successful jobseekers I've seen over the past decade have all taken this critical step.

Jobseekers also must seek understand specifically what an employer needs. Before you apply for an opening, ask yourself whether you match what the employer is seeking. Don't apply for a job just because it's being advertised. You're wasting your time, and the employer's.

Still, a jobseeker shouldn't give up just because his or her work history doesn't match the available job. York County's jobseekers can - and should -- do the work that makes them better candidates: Ask for help. Explore training programs to boost your skills - particularly in technology. Do temp work in your field of interest. And by all means, tell everyone you know that you're seeking work and give them specifics about your skills and interests.

York County's employers can also do more to alleviate the jobs paradox. First, they can improve their chances of finding the right people if they cast a broader net. Be creative in figuring out what types skills and personality are needed to do a job, rather than relying too heavily on the direct experience listed on a resume.

Indeed, at any given time, there are thousands of smart, hardworking people looking to switch careers. Don't rule them out, particularly if they have been able to advance in their original careers. They may be more willing to learn - and therefore more valuable - than some candidates who've spent years in your particular industry and, perhaps, think they've already learned everything.

Another key for employers: don't discount the contributions an older applicant can make. It's been my experience that, all things being equal, most employers prefer a younger candidate to an older one. But why? If the average tenure of a company's workforce is five years, for example, there's absolutely no reason to select a 30-year-old over a 50-year-old. In fact, the older candidate may have more to offer.

Finally, employers can do a better job of in-person interviewing. Instead of rehashing a resume in person and skimming down the list of standard questions, interviewers should be engaged in an in-depth conversation with the candidate. Often, a diamond in the rough remains undiscovered because of hurried or cursory interviewing.

Certainly, the jobs paradox in York County has been a source of frustration. But by taking a fresh approach and keeping an open mind, both jobseekers and employers can do their part to improve the situation.

Ann Gdovin-Hake is president and CEO of Gdovin Personnel Inc., a York-based staffing firm that focuses on administrative and healthcare jobs.