Mainebiz

W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 13 D E C E M B E R 1 0 , 2 0 1 8 F O C U S H R / R E C R U I T M E N T Health care and social services are thriving businesses for the state. In October, these sectors employed 2,200 more Mainers than the January 2017 number of 104,700, according to Labor Department estimates. By contrast, the number of trade, transportation and util- ities jobs was 120,400 in October, a slight decline over the previous 21 months. Maine's 'under-employment' Maine's unemployment rate also doesn't reveal the level of under-employment. In 2017, 26,000 residents — more than the number of those who were jobless — worked part-time because of the lack of full-time openings, according to an analysis by the Maine Center for Economic Policy, a non- partisan think tank. Data also showed that much of the state's workforce is seasonal, with one-third not working year-round at a single job. Part-time and seasonal workers are five times more likely to be living in poverty than full-time and year-round employees, the analysis noted. "Despite low unemployment and recent economic growth, too many Maine workers and families struggle to make ends meet. Middle-class jobs have disappeared in large numbers and are being replaced by low-wage jobs with greater uncertainty," policy analyst James Myall wrote in the center's report. Maine's part-time employees make up about a quarter of its workforce, which is higher than the U.S. ratio of 17.4%, according to federal government data for October. But Maine isn't that unusual when it comes to jobs. "Maine's economy is seasonal, but the same is true elsewhere," says Trostel. "Different states have different natural resources, different industries. But those differences aren't so great as popular perception holds." Mills agrees. While seasonality and the state's much-publicized aging demo- graphics are factors in unemployment, they are only part of the picture. "By and large, Maine is similar to the rest of the nation," he says. "ere's an ongoing rotation out of some jobs and toward others. It's pretty common to say that Maine is unique [in its employ- ment], but it's really not." Ghosts, students and ex-convicts Aware that they're in high demand, more and more candidates are vanish- ing without a trace during the recruit- ment process, blowing off scheduled job sales@JobsInME.com | 877-374-1088 Sign up now for the next JobsInME Career Fair and see why such 'alumni' exhibitors as Clean Harbors, Goodwill, Hannaford, HP Hood, Nestlé Waters, Renys, Robert Half, Spectrum, Texas Instruments and more have found them to be so successful. Space is limited, so sign up early and don't miss out on Maine's best talent. Call or email today to reserve your spot! January 31 st JobsInME Career Fair 3–6 PM • Hilton Garden Inn • Auburn, ME '' "One of the best fairs in the state." "The location and venue were fantastic." "Great traffic with very eclectic backgrounds." "Perfect. Loved getting the after-work crowd." "Well organized by the hosts! The candidates knew who they wanted to talk to, some even had specific positions in mind." "Liked the chance to network after the fair with other vendors!" "We had a great time, and success, at the career fair. We hired two individuals into our Manager In Training Program!" SUPPLY THE PAVEMENT MAINTENANCE INDUSTRY WITH A SEALMASTER FRANCHISE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY * Offer made by prospectus only. Learn more at sealmaster.net or call (800) 341-7325 Protected Territories Available Throughout New England Distribute a Full Line of Pavement Maintenance and Sport Surfacing Products and Equipment. C O N T I N U E D O N F O L L OW I N G PA G E »

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