Job Market Doubled From This Time Last Year

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Story Published: Feb 4, 2010 at 6:23 PM PST

By Kyle Trompeter

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EASTERN OREGON - How is the job search now compared to this time last year in Eastern Oregon?

"It was pretty bad. The job search when I came here a year ago wasn't very good," said newly employed Colleen Colvin.

it was so bad, Colleen went months without an interview. She's had four in the last month, and landed a job as a nursing assistant this week.

This time last year, the Hermiston Worksource office has only a few dozen postings. Now, there are more than a hundred. Those numbers are nearly the same for Pendleton. The Wells Fargo in the Pendleton Safeway has a few of those openings.

"We've got a couple positions right now. We have a part time teller position, a full time teller position, and a service management position available right now," said Manager Kaylene Parsons.

Most of the open jobs require limited experience, and they're willing to train. That's the case at the Hermiston Best Western. They need a front desk clerk.

"We want someone that is reliable, has computer skills, customer service skills, and is reliable to come to work," said GM Brenda Alvarez.

As the economy slowly recovers, people like Colleen are thrilled to finally get back into the workforce.

"It is great. I'm enthused. I'm joyful. I'm really glad I finally landed a job. I like it and I'm probably going to stay here now in the state," said Colvin.

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