The nation's latest unemployment numbers released last week showed promise, but in Central Pennsylvania there are still plenty of people looking for work.
CBS 21 stopped by a job fair Tuesday to see just how many people are still looking.
National numbers looked good, but in Pennsylvania the January unemployment rate was the highest it’s been since fall 2010.
Job fairs continue to be a way to network.
Inside the York Newspaper Company’s career fair were both employers and employee hopefuls. Michael Moran is just out of college.
“Mostly been going online looking and applying,” Moran told us. “Seemed like a good opportunity if you happen to match what the companies are offering.”
Others like Deb Bocklage have a different story but the same goal.
“Unemployed at the moment and checking all possibilities for employment,” Bocklage commented.
Her strategy is to try it all. “You have to do a little bit of everything, full time job, looking for a job,” Bocklage added.
Members of Career Link of York County agree.
“You need to start networking and get yourself out and in front of employers and making an impression and articulate what resume you have,” stated Barbara Ruffini with Career Link.
They offer free classes to tune your employability appeal.
“Some people haven't had to find a job for 30 years, it is a little daunting to find out what to put on a resume or go back in a classroom,” Ruffini realizes.
As career advisors, they say everyone at the job fair is doing the right thing just by showing up.
“Stay in action, talk to people,” Ruffini said. “Take a look at that resume and maybe sign up for resume writing class.”
The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry reports the unemployment rate shot to 8.2 percent in January, the highest it's been since October 2010.
But there are jobs to be found in York County if you have the right skills or are up for the training.
“Even with unemployment, still jobs can't be filled, welding, machinists and those people are getting jobs quickly,” Ruffini concluded.
In February, the national unemployment rate was 7.7 percent.
