A view from Ediz Hook

A view from Ediz Hook
Veteran Operated Website

Sorry for no post in a while

Sorry everyone for not posting an up to date North Coast Hot Jobs listing in a while. My current job has me working six or seven days a week, so I don't have time to compile a new jobs listing. It used to take me four to five hours each weekend to compile this jobs listing and I just don't have the spare time right now.

So, I am taking a hiatus for a while.  I will notify Mike McEvoy at the Clallam WorkSource when I will restart posting my hot jobs listing that I have been updating for about three years now. It's possible I won't restart this listing until I get back into the employment field.

Good luck job seekers.

Jim Allen, MBA, Vet.

North Coast Hot Jobs Aug. 3

Hello fellow job seekers. Here is the link to this week's North Coast Hot Jobs listing, https://www.scribd.com/doc/273339800/North-Coast-Hot-Jobs-Aug-3-2015. Clicking on that link will send you to Scribd where I have to post the listing, because this free site will not allow it. You can read the listing there for free, but if you want to download it, you must make an account.

Here's something I posted before;

Job Hunting Tip #32. The transition from recession recovery phase to prosperity phase

Ok, what am I talking about. Mainly, this recession we are recovering from is part of what is called a business cycle. A business cycle is composed of four parts. There is the prosperity phase, recession phase, depression phase and recovery phase. We are still mired in the recovery phase, but the American economy is definitely looking good. Because America was able to act swiftly to control the rapid descent of the economy, it has bounced back quicker than other global economies. So, how does this affect you? Your chances of getting employed are getting better each day. Then, if you end up with a lower paying job than before the recession, as the economy grows stronger, employers will be forced to pay employees more just to keep them. In addition, other employers will offer more pay to hire you away. This will be the prosperity phase. This is also sometimes referred to as an employee's market.

Ok continuing with my own job search. Have a good one.

Jim Allen, MBA, Vet

North Coast Hot Jobs Jul. 27

Hello fellow job seekers. Here is the link to this week's North Coast Hot Jobs listing, https://www.scribd.com/doc/272652028/North-Coast-Hot-Jobs-Jul-27-2015. Clicking on that link will send you to Scribd where I have to post the listing, because this free site will not allow it. You can read the listing there for free, but if you want to download it, you must make an account.

Here's something I posted before;

Job Hunting Tip #10. Craigslist job hunting scams part two

There are ways to help you determine whether a job posting is legitimate or fake. Here is a list of red flags to look out for.
1) Asking for money, credit or debit info.
2) They want to send you money to put into your bank.
3) They want your social security number.
4) They want you to send a photo copy of your I.D. to verify.
5) They want a background check BEFORE you are considered for a position or they are asking for personal information.
6) Job contact email address does not match the company name (i.e. john@gmail.com instead of john@widgetsrus.com.
7) Mystery shoppers, work at home or online jobs.
8) Multiple misspellings in a job notice.
9) Upfront fees.
10) Earn money in a hurry.
11) Work at home.
12) No company name.
13) Have to use job board email. It could be anyone.
14) Check cashing and wire transfers.
15) Continuously open job that does not reply. They might be data harvesters gathering personal info from resumes sent to them.

Ok, that's all for now. Have a good one.

Jim Allen, MBA, Vet

North Coast Hot Jobs Jul. 20

Hello fellow job seekers. Here is the link to this week's North Coast Hot Jobs listing, https://www.scribd.com/doc/272013716/North-Coast-Hot-Jobs-Jul-20-2015. Clicking on that link will send you to Scribd where I have to post the listing, because this free site will not allow it. You can read the listing there for free, but if you want to download it, you must make an account.

Here is something I posted before;

Job Hunting Tip #3. Work Opportunity Tax Credit.

Work Opportunity Tax Credit is a federal tax credit providing incentives to employers for hiring groups facing high rates of unemployment, such as veterans, youths and others. So, if you are applying for a job and they ask you questions about if you are currently on food stamps, receiving welfare, are unemployed or are a veteran, then answer accurately. An employer will receive a tax credit if they hire someone within this criteria. In other words, they save money by hiring you.

Ok, that's all for now. Have a good one.

Jim Allen, MBA, Vet

North Coast Hot Jobs Jul. 13

Hello fellow job seekers. Here is the link to this week's North Coast Hot Jobs listing, https://www.scribd.com/doc/271359711/North-Coast-Hot-Jobs-Jul-13-2015. Clicking on that link will send you to Scribd where I have to post the listing, because this free site will not allow it. You can read the listing there for free, but if you want to download it, you must make an account.

Here is something I posted before;

Job Hunting Tip #9. Craigslist job hunting scams.

Craigslist is a convenient way for some individuals to post jobs. It is cost effective to the employer and reaches a lot of people. Posting your job at your local WorkSource can be just as effective, but more secure. When using Craigslist be wary of job scams. For example, the same job is posted week after week after week. You send them your resume and other applicable documents. They don't respond, but now they have your personal info along with information of your references. These fake job postings are used by data miners to harvest information. This will later be sold in quantity to spam producers and identity thieves. Here's a link to some more info on Craigslist job scams, http://jobsearch.about.com/od/jobsearchscams/a/craigslist-job-scams.htm

Ok, that's all for now. Have a good one.

Jim Allen, MBA, Vet

North Coast Hot Jobs Jul. 6

Hello fellow job seekers. Here is the link to this week's North Coast Hot Jobs listing, https://www.scribd.com/doc/270626014/North-Coast-Hot-Jobs-Jul-6-2015. Clicking on that link will send you to Scribd where I have to post the listing, because this free site will not allow it. You can read the listing there, but if you want to download it, you must make an account.

Ok, I have posted this before and I am posting this again. Mainly because I am unemployed again.

Job Hunting Tip #30. Being unemployed can be a full-time job

Unemployment can make a hard worker soft. It can be tempting to just make a token job search effort without any real job prospects and just collect your unemployment benefits. Others might decide they want to wait for that perfect job to come along. Might be wishful thinking in this area. The best response to becoming unemployed is to fight back and get back to work. Some employers question why someone is unemployed for an extended time. They might think there is some undesirable quality in your background. Employers like to hire people who are working. This gives them someone convenient to ask about you. It also shows your work ethic by accepting a job that may not be exactly suitable for you. For most of us, it will not be easy getting back to work. It will take up a lot of your time. Looking for work can be almost like a full-time job.

Ok, that's all for now. Have a good one.

Jim Allen, MBA, Vet and out of work.

North Coast Hot Jobs Jun. 29

Hello job seekers. Here is the link to this week's North Coast Hot Jobs listing, https://www.scribd.com/doc/269921985/North-Coast-Hot-Jobs-Jun-29-2015 Just scroll down the job listing there that I posted. If you want to download it to a Word or PDF document, you will have to make an account.

So, this week we will start with the county unemployment rates in this area. Here is the list;

1) Clallam County           7.8%
2) Jefferson County         7.1%
3) Grays Harbor County  8.9%
4) Kitsap County             5.7%
5) Thurston County         6.0%
6) Pierce County              6.5%
7) King County                3.7%
8) Snohomish County      4.0%
9) Island County              6.1%

These county unemployment rates are apparently not seasonally adjusted. For more info, click here

This week's business highlight is Mervin Manufacturing. They are the parent company of products by Lib Tech and Gnu. Mervin Manufacturing was owned by Quiksilver, but is now owned by Altamont. Yes, it is complicated. Anyways, they all have an interest in making snowboards. If this sort of work interests you, their address is 65 Banana Way, Sequim, WA 98382 in the Carlsborg industrial zone. Last time I was in the area, I could hear the music from outside.

Ok, that's all for this week. Have a good one.

Jim Allen, MBA, Vet
Employment Consultant

North Coast Hot Jobs Jun. 22

Hello job seekers. Here is the link to this week's North Coast Hot Jobs listing, https://www.scribd.com/doc/269306320/North-Coast-Hot-Jobs-Jun-22-2015

So, I hope all you dads had a good Father's Day. Mine has been pretty slow and relaxing. On that note, this week's message will be short and sweet, because I have more relaxing to do.

My business highlight for this week is Shine Micro out of Port Ludlow. They are a marine electronics equipment company. They deal with radar and radio equipment. Stuff I used to repair a few years back. So, if you have an electronics or I.T background, you might be interested in what they do. To find more info, click here

So, I didn't get the WorkSource job. I have nothing positive to say about that.

Ok, that's all for this week. Have a good one.

Jim Allen, MBA, Vet
Employment Consultant

North Coast Hot Jobs Jun. 15

Hello job seekers. Here is the link to this week's North Coast Hot Jobs listing, https://www.scribd.com/doc/268653053/North-Coast-Hot-Jobs-Jun-15-2015

So, bad news out on the West End again. A prominent lumber mill, Allen Logging Co., is closing it's doors due to increased competition from foreign businesses. Many people will lose family wage jobs. A family wage job is a job that enables you to raise a family comfortably. I would say at least $16 an hour in this area. This will make a big impact in the economy there also. To read more about this story, click here

Today, I am spotlighting a high tech metallurgical type business in Port Townsend that produces products using aluminum and titanium. If you want to see if you are what they are looking for, then click here

On a personal note, I am still up for a job opening at WorkSource Clallam.

Have a good one.

Jim Allen, MBA, Vet
Employment Consultant

North Coast Hot Jobs Jun. 8

Hello job seekers. Here is the link to this week's North Coast Hot Jobs listing, https://www.scribd.com/doc/267956336/North-Coast-Hot-Jobs-Jun-8-2015

Platypus Marine is a ship construction and repair facility located on Marine Drive in Port Angeles. If you think you have what they want, then visit their employment webpage at http://www.platypusmarine.com/join-crew/

Crestwood Convalescent Center in Port Angeles and the Sequim Rehab Center belong to the same parent company, Enlivant. They both appear to have a need for a CNA. Crestwood has a $3000 sign on bonus at this link, click here and Sequim Rehab has a $1000 sign on bonus at this link, click here.

If you are interested in being a part of the Washington Conservation Corps with the North Olympic Salmon Coalition, they have 6 openings at this link, click here

7 Cedars Casino is having a hiring event this Tuesday, June 9th, between 1- 4 pm at their place. More info at this link, click here

On a personal note, I have applied for a WorkSource Clallam job opening. We will see what happens.

Have a good one.

Jim Allen, MBA, Vet
Employment Consultant

North Coast Hot Jobs Jun. 1

Hello job seekers. Here is the link to this week's North Coast Hot Jobs listing, https://www.scribd.com/doc/267244392/North-Coast-Hot-Jobs-Jun-1-2015

So, the unemployment rate for Clallam County has lowered to 8.0 percent in April and Jefferson County has 6.7% according to a Peninsula Daily News article at this link

Here is a tip I posted a while back;

Job Hunting Tip #8. Online Applications - Assessment tools

To get hired with some organizations, they require that you fill out their customized online applications. Some of these applications include an assessment tool. These assessment tools help the employer determine if the job candidate has the qualities that employers looks for. Sometimes they have scale options. For example, they could have five possible answers such as always, most of the times, half of the time, a few times and never. These answers must be answered accurately. If you answer the questions so that you appear like the perfect possible employee, then they will see that in your answers and you will be passed over for any possible job opening.

Have a good one.

Jim Allen, MBA, Vet
Employment Consultant

North Coast Hot Jobs May 25

Hello job seekers. I hope everyone enjoyed their Memorial Day Weekend. This was a weekend to pay homage to our fallen soldiers and to be thankful for what their sacrifices allow us to do today.
Here is the link to this week's North Coast Hot Jobs listing, https://www.scribd.com/doc/266461984/North-Coast-Hot-Jobs-May-25-2015

If you have been wondering if you would fit in at Armstrong Marine, they now have some job descriptions posted at their website. Follow this link, http://armstrongmarine.com/p-7774-job-postings.html

So, last week I posted that 7 Cedars Casino had 18 job openings. I was also thinking that it would be a prime candidate for a hiring event somewhere. Well, it looks like they will host their own hiring event on June 9th at their training center from 1pm to 4pm. Follow this link for more info, http://7cedarsresort.iapplicants.com/ViewJob-680419.html

Here is a job tip that I posted a while back.

Job Hunting Tip #5. When Opportunity Knocks

So, you got laid off a while ago and you have been biding your time until that perfect job shows up for you. Meanwhile, your unemployment insurance is allowing you to keep paying the bills, but this will eventually run out. When a job opportunity happens and you decide not to apply for it, be careful that it is not one of the few opportunities that would not only be compatible with your skills, but also provide sufficient income for you and your family. Especially in this area. When opportunity knocks, open the door.

Have a good one.

Jim Allen, MBA, Vet
Employment Consultant

North Coast Hot Jobs May 18

Hello job seekers. Here is the link to this week's North Coast Hot Jobs listing, https://www.scribd.com/doc/265671725/North-Coast-Hot-Jobs-May-18-2015

Anyone besides myself notice that 7 Cedars Casino has a lot of job openings? At last count, I saw 18 job openings. Of course, these are mostly part-time jobs. Some of these are also seasonal. One other condition of working at 7 Cedars Casino is that they allow smoking in the building. So, if that bothers you, then don't apply there. Check out the North Coast Hot Jobs listing for these job openings.

Here is a job hunting tip that I had posted a while back,

Job Hunting Tip #3. Work Opportunity Tax Credit.

Work Opportunity Tax Credit is a federal tax credit providing incentives to employers for hiring groups facing high rates of unemployment, such as veterans, youths and others. So, if you are applying for a job and the online application asks if you are currently on food stamps, receiving welfare, are unemployed, are a veteran, etc., then answer accurately. An employer will receive a tax credit if they hire someone within this criteria.

Have a good one.

Jim Allen, MBA, Vet
Employment Consultant

North Coast Hot Jobs May 10

Hello job seekers. Here is the link to this week's North Coast Hot Jobs listing, https://www.scribd.com/doc/264786070/North-Coast-Hot-Jobs-May-10-2015

So, anyone notice the good weather? Starting from about May through September is our room temperature days. I like this time of the year. So do the tourists. Businesses are gearing up again for their seasonal commerce. They are hiring also.

Here's something I posted a while back and is still useful.

Job Hunting Tip . Resume Objective.

Not everyone uses an Objective in their resume. However, if you do use an Objective then it must apply directly do that particular job. For example, if the job is a receptionist job, then the Objective part of the resume must specify your qualifications for that particular receptionist job. An Objective in this case could be written as "To obtain a full-time position that will use my advanced experience in customer service skills, flexible multi-tasking abilities and office equipment proficiency."

Have a good one.

Jim Allen, MBA, Vet
Employment Consultant

North Coast Hot Jobs May 3

Hello job seekers. Here is the link to this week's North Coast Hot Jobs listing, https://www.scribd.com/doc/263986914/North-Coast-Hot-Jobs-May-3-2015

So, Westport Yachts still has many jobs posted and their "Hiring Now" banner is still attached to the fence by their Marine Drive facility. Sixteen jobs open at last count. So apply now. Even if you think your skills are not exactly a good match.

Here is a helpful tip I have posted before;

Job Hunting Tip #1. Cover Letters.
A cover letter is an important link from you to the employer. It helps the employer understand why your capabilities are a good match for their requirements. Make your cover letter address all the job requirements in a job description. Be to the point. The hiring manager usually has other duties besides screening job applicants. Your cover letter has to grab their attention. It gives them a reason to pause and read your whole cover letter and actually scan your resume instead of just tossing it in file 13 (garbage can).
 
That's all for this week. Have a good one.
 
Jim Allen, MBA, Vet
Employment Consultant

North Coast Hot Jobs Apr 27

Hello job seekers. Here is the link to this week's North Coast Hot Jobs listing, https://www.scribd.com/doc/263169815/North-Coast-Hot-Jobs-Apr-27-2015

So, the weather is improving and the economy is getting better in our region, finally. Of course, our area gets a boost from seasonal jobs. Sometimes, it may be a good choice to apply for a seasonal job, even though you know it is only temporary. If you do get hired on for a seasonal job, then don't quit your job search. This is actually the best time for applying for other jobs. Employers like hiring people who have jobs already as opposed to those who are unemployed. Someone who is employed, shows to a potential other employer that your skills are valued to some employer. If you are unemployed, they may wonder what's the deal there. It is an unfortunate generalization reality in the employment business.

Ok, that's all for this week. More jobs are being listed everywhere. Good luck.

Jim Allen, MBA, Vet
Employment Consultant

North Coast Hot Jobs Apr. 20

Hello job seekers. Here is the link to this week's North Coast Hot Jobs listing, https://www.scribd.com/doc/262386865/North-Coast-Hot-Jobs-Apr-20-2015

We are going to start off this week's posting with a comparison of county unemployment in this state. I am just listing ones in this area or nearby.

Clallam             10.0%
Jefferson             8.8%
Grays Harbor    10.8%
Island                  7.4%
Kitsap                  6.6%
Snohomish          5.3%
King                    4.9%
Pierce                  7.7%

So, going by these unemployment rates, it is possible to speculate that those counties on or near the I-5 corridor are out of the recession, while those counties further away from that location are still mired in the recession. For more info, click here

Many companies, such as Westport and Safeway have many job openings. Check out my hot jobs listing for more information.

Have a good one.

Jim Allen

North Coast Hot Jobs Apr. 13

Hello job seekers. Here is the link to this week's North Coast Hot Jobs listing, https://www.scribd.com/doc/261658516/North-Coast-Hot-Jobs-Apr-13-2015

Walgreens is apparently closing about 200 stores nationwide. Not sure how this will impact the store in Port Angeles or Sequim. For a link to the story, click here

Apparently the Clallam County Economic Development Council is still in existence, but in a limited form. According to an article in the Peninsula Daily News, they predict at least 250 jobs will be gained by next spring in Clallam County. Seems like a low amount to me. I would say much more myself from what I have seen and heard out in the community. For a link to the story, click here

The Quileute Tribe has many jobs posted. To go to their website, click here

That's all for this week. Have a good one.

Jim Allen

North Coast Hot Jobs Apr. 6

Hello job seekers. Here is the link to this week's North Coast Hot Jobs listing, https://www.scribd.com/doc/260953769/North-Coast-Hot-Jobs-Apr-6-2015

Well it's official. The Radio Shack in Port Angeles will be closing it's doors. When this will happen is not clear yet. Kind of sad. Since I used to work in electronics repair, I liked browsing through the store every now and then. However, I thought some of the prices were kind of high though. For more on this story, follow this link here

The newest addition to the area business community is a sports themed entertainment center called Fanaticus. They are still looking for employees at this link. It will be interesting how this facility opening will affect other similar venues in the area. I am sure it will take a lot of customers initially from other places, but then things will sort themselves out.

The opening of this business might generate some positive vibes in the business community, but it possibly won't bring any new business here from outside the area. This business will just tap off the same money that is already here. It could be looked at as trying to squeeze more water out of a rock. What this north Olympic coast area needs is businesses that bring more jobs and money here.

Okay, that's all for this week. Have a good one.

Jim.

North Coast Hot Jobs Mar. 30

Hello job seekers. Here is the link to this week's North Coast Hot Jobs listing, https://www.scribd.com/doc/260309807/North-Coast-Hot-Jobs-Mar-30-2015

Fanaticus Sports Grill is the name of the new sports outlet in Port Angeles. They are at 1026 E. First St. They have two job openings that I know of at the moment. A bar manager and kitchen manager at these two Craigslist links, http://olympic.craigslist.org/fbh/4919029769.html and http://olympic.craigslist.org/fbh/4890541491.html

They are also accepting resumes for servers, bartenders, line/prep cooks, hosts and dishwashers. Just go to the building and drop off a resume and cover letter. On the cover letter, indicate what position you are interested in. If you prefer, you can email the resume and cover letter to Fanaticus.pa@gmail.com.

Angeles Composites Technologies, Inc. was apparently purchased by a British composites company. More info here, http://peninsuladailynews.com/article/20150329/NEWS/303299980/british-aerospace-company-buys-port-angeles-composites-business-exec

That's all for this week. Have a good one.

Jim.

North Coast Hot Jobs Mar. 23

Hello job seekers. Here is the link to this week's North Coast Hot Jobs listing, https://www.scribd.com/doc/259581256/North-Coast-Hot-Jobs-Mar-23-2015

So, a recent article in the Peninsula Daily News talked about a new sports bar in the area. The reason why I am posting that news here is because they apparently intend to hire about 30 people. It will be a big facility and is located on First Street in Port Angeles. Still a lot of construction going on though. Here is the link to the story, http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20150316/NEWS/303169974

As I mentioned in a previous week, I restarted the Weekly Featured Jobs posting in the right column of this site. Usually, I post one job that catches my eye. However this week, there are five jobs that got my attention and could appeal to many people. They are listed in the Hot Jobs listing, but I will also post them here.

Washington State government jobs
     (NEW) Maintenance Technician in Training (three positions). Clallam County. Full-time. Closing date Apr. 2. Apply here

Sequim School District
     (NEW) Custodian and Groundskeeper. Sequim. Full-time. Open until filled. Apply here
     (NEW) Custodian (night shift). Sequim. Full-time. Open until filled. Apply here

Lower Elwha Nation
     (NEW) Facility Maintenance Worker. Port Angeles. Full-time. No closing date. Apply here
     (NEW) Custodial Maintenance. Port Angeles. Full-time. No closing date. Apply here

Have a good one.
Jim

North Coast Hot Jobs Mar. 16

Hello job seekers. Here is the link to this week's North Coast Hot Jobs listing, https://www.scribd.com/doc/258827507/North-Coast-Hot-Jobs-Mar-16-2015

So, the interesting news this week is that Platypus Marine, Inc. (next to Westport Shipyard on Marine Drive in Port Angeles) wants to expand. They want to buy 5 acres that the Port of Port Angeles owns and is next to the Platypus Marine building. However, the Port of Port Angeles wants to rent it. Hopefully, the two entities can resolve their differences soon. I think that in this economically depressed area that it would be counter-productive to stall or even block this business initiative that could result in the apparent hiring of 75 workers. More info at this link, http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20150313/news/303139972/platypus-marine-looks-to-buy-5-acres-for-expansion-port-of-port

Ok that's all for this week. Happy job hunting 

North Coast Hot Jobs Mar. 9

Hello job seekers. Here is the link to this week's North Coast Hot Jobs listing, https://www.scribd.com/doc/258086277/North-Coast-Hot-Jobs-Mar-9-2015

So, this week we will start out with an article in the Peninsula Daily News that states that a wood cabinet manufacturing company is interested in moving into the old Wal-Mart building in Port Angeles. The article also states that 200 people could be working there. This would most definitely make an impact in this area. Hopefully it will work out. Here is the link to the Peninsula Daily News article, http://peninsuladailynews.com/article/20150308/NEWS/303089926/200-new-jobs-port-angeles-former-walmart-building-may-get-a-tenant

That's all for this week. Have a good one.

North Coast Hot Jobs Mar. 2

Hello job seekers. Here is the link to this week's North Coast Hot Jobs listing, https://www.scribd.com/doc/257351205/North-Coast-Hot-Jobs-Mar-2-2015

First of all, Haggens is pronounced "hay guns." At least that is what I was told by an employee. And no, they are not hiring. Everyone that was there is still there as far as I know.

The Red Lion is hiring for their seasonal workers. Some regular full-time workers also. Get your application in now. Follow this link, http://www.redlion.com/apply. Then enter "Washington" in the state block and "Port Angeles" in the city block.

Westport still has many jobs posted even though they just had a hiring event. They even added three more jobs this week.

Not much else to report, so have a good one.

North Coast Hot Jobs Feb. 23

Hello job seekers. Here is the link to this week's North Coast Hot Jobs listing, https://www.scribd.com/doc/256594083/North-Coast-Hot-Jobs-Feb-23-2015

So, Albertson's in Port Angeles is now Haggen's. Not sure how to pronounce that yet. The store looks a little more rustic. However, there is not too much change yet. The prices seem to be the same, so far. They also seem to be selling some stuff at a low price, because they want to sell other stuff in it's place. For example, some of the bread is being replaced with a Haggen labeled bread.

The Employment Security Department, which WorkSource is a part of, has some interesting job openings. They are called Career Pathway Navigators. They help connect educated career minded individuals with employers. Almost like a state sponsored head hunter. They also act as a liaison between local colleges and businesses to get them on the same page. This way they are not graduating too much of a certain skillset that has no future in the local area.

These Career Pathway Navigators will be stationed in certain areas, like King County or Pierce County. In some cases, a Career Pathway Navigator's responsibility will encompass multiple areas. For example, the Career Pathway Navigator slot for this area will cover the Clallam, Jefferson and Kitsap counties. I am not too sure about putting Kitsap county in the same category as Clallam and Jefferson county. Kitsap county appears to have more of a military influence and a major shipyard area, it has 2.5 times the population of Jefferson and Clallam county combined and their unemployment rate is much lower. Personally, I think they should have combined Jefferson and Clallam county with Grays Harbor county. The demographics and business makeups are very similar between these areas.

This could be an opportunity for a voice to be heard from the high unemployment areas of Clallam and Jefferson counties. This depends on where this person will be based out of.

That's all for this week. Have a good one.

North Coast Hot Jobs Feb. 16

Hello job seekers. As I said last week, I am working again. I am job developing and job coaching. Enough about me, here is the link to this week's North Coast Hot Jobs listing, https://www.scribd.com/doc/255849413/North-Coast-Hot-Jobs-Feb-16-2015

So, last week I mentioned that the Postal Service Exam 473, which pretty much covers all postal job openings, even custodial, can now be taken in Bremerton at the Avian Flight complex at the airport. I don't want to take credit for it, but last year I sent out emails to any regional USPS contact I could find, complaining about having to travel to the I-5 corridor, spending up to $100 bucks, for a test that may not guarantee me a job.... By the way, the test itself is free and it is proctored by certain qualified testing facilities.

As some of you have heard, there has been another major event in the regional grocery store business community. A relatively unknown, but long-lived, grocery outlet chain called Haggen has purchased some Albertson and Safeway stores. Click here for some more info. The Albertsons store in Port Angeles is affected. I have not heard anything about the regional Safeway stores. Anyways, the Port Angeles store will be closed for a couple of days to make the changeover to Haggen. They will be closed Monday to Thursday this week, I believe.

Ok, that's all for this week. Have a good one.

North Coast Hot Jobs Feb. 9

Hello job seekers. I am working now, so I can't start off with "Hello fellow job seekers." Anyways, the latest North Coast Hot Jobs listing is posted here, https://www.scribd.com/doc/255113697/North-Coast-Hot-Jobs-Feb-9-2015

So, apparently Radio Shack is going bankrupt. Too bad, since I was an electronics technician at another time, I always thought they had some cool stuff there. I guess all the stores won't be closing, but the ones that will be closing are having liquidation sales. Here's a link to more info on the Radio Shack bankruptcy, http://money.cnn.com/2015/02/05/news/companies/radioshack-bankruptcy/.  Here is a link to which Radio Shack stores will be closing, http://graphics.wsj.com/shuttering-the-shacks/. You will have to zoom into your location. Looks like the one in Port Angeles will not be affected. At least for now.

There have been many job openings listed in "Indeed" for Port Angeles for a company called Harbor Freight Tools. Check out this Indeed link for more info on these jobs, http://www.indeed.com/jobs?as_and=&as_phr=&as_any=&as_not=&as_ttl=&as_cmp=&jt=all&st=&salary=&radius=25&l=Port+Angeles%2C+WA&fromage=7&limit=10&sort=&psf=advsrch

Found out you don't have to go to the I-5 corridor to take the Postal Exam now. There is a location in Bremerton now, next to their airport. The test is supervised by a company called Avian Flight.

Ok, that's all for now. Have a good one.

North Coast Hot Jobs Feb. 2

Hello fellow job seekers. Here is the link to this week's North Coast Hot Jobs listing, https://www.scribd.com/doc/254396806/North-Coast-Hot-Jobs-Feb-2-2015

Over the years there have been a couple of items that I use to sort of gauge the economy in this area. I watch the WorkSource job listings. When the Clallam County listings get over 250, then the economy is picking up. As of this posting, there is 291. I also watch the Peninsula Daily News job listings. When there is at least three pages in the Sunday listings, then the economy is getting better here. As of now, there is four pages.

Here are some unemployment rates by county in the local area for the month of December 2014.
State                 6.3%
Clallam            9.3%
Jefferson         8.6%
Kitsap              6.2%
Island               7.5%
King                  4.1%
Snohomish      4.5%
Pierce                7.2%
Grays Harbor 10.6%

Have a good one and good luck job hunting.

North Coast Hot Jobs Jan. 25

Hello fellow job seekers. Here is the link to this week's North Coast Hot Jobs listing, https://www.scribd.com/doc/253695593/North-Coast-Hot-Jobs-Jan-26-2015

Today, I thought I would do some comparing of unemployment rates of select counties close to us in this state between 2011 and November 2014. Here are my sources, http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/planning/wtp/datalibrary/Economy/UnemploymentbyCounty.htm and https://fortress.wa.gov/esd/employmentdata/reports-publications/economic-reports/monthly-employment-report/map-of-county-unemployment-rates

County                 Then                  Now
Clallam                10.4%                8.9%
Jefferson                9.9%                8.1%
Kitsap                     7.9%                6.2%
Thurston                8.3%                6.5%
Pierce                     9.8%                7.3%
King                        8.1%                4.4%
Snohomish            9.3%                4.8%
Skagit                    10.1%               7.4%
Island                     9.1%                7.4%
Grays Harbor      13.2%              10.6%

So, going by these numbers, at least one county is doing worse than Clallam and Jefferson county. Still an employer's market in some areas. However, some counties are doing very, very well. They are looking for more workers. They are even offering more pay than usual.

That's all for this week. Have a good one.

North Coast Hot Jobs Jan. 19

Hello fellow job seekers. Here is the link to this week's North Coast Hot Jobs listing, https://www.scribd.com/doc/253013754/North-Coast-Hot-Jobs-Jan-19-2015

Well, I have had four job interviews in the last ten days. I still haven't heard back from either of them yet. Some hiring managers/human resources departments just notify you if you get the job. It can be nerve wracking to keep your hopes up, waiting for the call. Then, you find out somehow that the job was already given to someone else a certain time period ago.

I have been lowering the bar recently. Applying for just about any job that comes around instead of waiting for the good jobs. I have had to do this before because I had five kids to raise. Do the jobs that are hard and not something to brag about.

I fully understand what many unemployed people go through. I have been there, done that. I am not one of those who has never been in a dire situation and who tries to emphasize with an unemployed person.

Ok, that's all for this week. Have a good one.

North Coast Hot Jobs Jan. 12

Hello fellow job seekers. Here is the link to this week's North Coast Hot Jobs listing, https://www.scribd.com/doc/252318314/North-Coast-Hot-Jobs-Jan-12-2015

Job activity is increasing in the area. Still kind of slow though.

Westport is beginning to whittle down that long list of jobs they have had open since being purchased by that Louisiana based company. Get your application in now. Fill out their application and forward it to their Westport Washington office. Here's the link to their jobs listings, http://www.westportyachts.com/careers/

Here is a pet peeve of mine. We live in a relatively high unemployment area. Yet employers continue to hire people from outside the area. Personally, I believe that there should be a local hire preference for every government job (city, county, state and federal) in an economically depressed area such as here. Hire a local person who knows the area and is more guaranteed to stay here. Otherwise, you are just contributing to the unemployment rolls here.

Have a good one and good luck job hunting.

North Coast Hot Jobs Jan. 5

Happy New Year's fellow job seekers. Here is the link to this week's North Coast Hot Jobs listing, https://www.scribd.com/doc/251660600/North-Coast-Hot-Jobs-Jan-5-2015

I was reading an article in the local newspaper about how there is no commercial airline service since Horizon pulled out. Hopefully that won't mean that the Port of Port Angeles be laying off people that work at the airport? A solution to the problem is to attract businesses to the area that could use a commercial airport. Easier said than done, I suppose.

Gas prices are getting lower and lower. A little over two dollars per gallon in some areas near here. Here is a link to finding gas prices near you. I am not too sure of the reliability though. Anyways, just enter your zip code and press "Search." Here is the link, http://www.gasbuddy.com/

Very little new jobs this week. This is to be expected for this time of the year. More jobs will become available soon.

Have a good one.