By Marina Freeman, Lora Smiley, Jerriod Grizzle, Meghan Parham, and Chris Short

Statesboro, Ga. – All too often one hears the grumble from some desperate person in search of a job that there are no available jobs in Statesboro. According to the City of Statesboro website this is a common misconception. The unemployment rate for Statesboro and Bulloch County is only 4.4 percent.

Roughly 24 percent of the Bulloch County labor force works for the government branch which includes Georgia Southern University, one of the city’s largest employers. Other large employers include Briggs & Stratton, Wal-Mart, Inc., and East Georgia Regional Medical Center.

For those in search of employment, the Georgia Department of Labor  is a great place to start. Located on Packinghouse Road it provides a range of services to both job seekers and employers.

According to their website, the Center provides “all the latest tools to find and keep that special job. Employers will find assistance in recruiting new employees, including a national job listing network, applicant screening, and space in the center to conduct testing and employment interviews.”

During an average week, the Statesboro D.O.L sees about 390 people looking for work; of those, 235 are job seekers, and about 34 are students looking for either half- or full-time work. 

According to Barbara Rushing, an employment marketing representative for the Georgia D.O.L. in Statesboro, the biggest complaint from employers is that students often make out class schedules, then expect to find a job that will work around their often inconsistent schedules.

 “Also students are usually unwilling to work the weekend hours that might accompany a job,” said Rushing.

This can make placing them in a desired field quite difficult.

To help in job searching, Rushing offered the following advice: 

• Plan a class schedule that will fit the hours of a job
• Know what you want, but be flexible - come in with a variety of choices in what job you are looking for, but know what your skills are
• Be serious when looking for a job.
• Be prepared to fulfill the expectations of the employer

Another option for GSU students is to visit Career Services located in the Williams Center, which hosts many events and provides much information to aid in job hunting.  They hold a career fair each semester where local and out-of- state businesses set up booths to offer employment opportunities.

Career Services also provides a job-posting service through MonsterTRAK, G.S.U’s job- posting partner. The collaboration allows employers to post job openings to students free of charge. Students can then register with MonsterTRAK and have access to view numerous job opportunities, locally and nationally.

Career Services also keeps and updates a list of employment opportunities that is available to students. The list is updated when their office is notified by the employer that a position is open. Students may stop by Career Services during business hours to pick up the list. 

Credits: This story draws on information obtained from Georgia Department of Labor in Statesboro, 62 Packinghouse Road, Statesboro, Ga. 30458 (912) 681-5156; Mrs. Barbara Rushing, Employment Marketing Representative, Georgia Southern University Career Services, Williams Center. (912) 681-5197

News Link:

Sometimes, Nips and Tucks Can Be Career Moves the New York Times, Feb.12, 2006

Related Article:

Southern Culture Thrives in the ‘Boro

Interactive Related Media:

Career Builder Video, Free Career Assessment Test

Relevant Websites:

Career Services

MonsterTRACK

Umemployment Office Contacts

Career Builder