Businesses see increase in job applications

With Nevada's jobless rate hitting a record 12 percent, managers from small restaurants to big-box stores to state and local government are seeing big increases in the number of job applicants.

Nearly 52,000 people have applied for the 1,511 jobs offered by the state during the first nine months of Fiscal 2009. That compares to 26,317 applicants for the entire year in fiscal 2005.

The state isn't alone. Carson City Human Resources Director Jennifer Schultz said the number of applicants for city jobs has at least doubled this year.

She pointed to the seasonal summer positions at places such as the recreation center and pool.

"In the past we've struggled to have enough applications," Schultz said.

Now, she said, "We have at least 200 applications for summer and part-time positions."

"I'm seeing people with multiple degrees applying for seasonal and other positions," Schultz said.

Jamesa Cramer, who with her husband runs Mom and Pop's Diner on Carson Street, said she too is seeing more applications.

"A lot of people have come in applying for jobs," she said. "Mostly young adults."

Big businesses as well are seeing more applicants. Of the big-box store managers contacted, all but one said they are seeing more applications. A Wal-Mart manager said because the application process is centralized and computerized, he doesn't see how many applications are filed and could not answer the question.

According to Jim Kempner, the Home Depot in north Douglas County is seeing a lot of applications.

He added that this is also Home Depot's busiest time of the year and they normally staff up during the summer. He said he's seeing quality applicants and intends to keep the ones he has hired as permanent employees.

All officials contacted said for healthy businesses and government, the bad economic times are an opportunity.

Several store managers said they can select from several very good applicants for any given opening.

Schultz said the current economic climate is also an opportunity for government to hire high quality people because she is receiving applications from professionals who probably wouldn't otherwise seek a government job. She said many of those are attracted to government by the stability and job security offered.