Local Reaction to Job Numbers

By Cassandra Duvall

CREATED Oct. 5, 2012

  • Print

  • The nation’s unemployment rate has made a significant drop. Friday’s new numbers show the unemployment rate fell to 7.8% last month Video by nbc26.com

    video

GREEN BAY, WI -- The nation’s unemployment rate has made a significant drop. Friday’s new numbers show the unemployment rate fell to 7.8% last month. That’s the lowest it’s been in nearly four years, and about 114,000 jobs were added. 

 
The new jobs numbers seem like a good sign, especially for President Obama, with a little more than a month before the Presidential election.
 
Local hiring agencies say they’re not surprised by the new numbers report. Manpower in Green Bay has the jobs, now they just need the people.
 
"We've had less people coming in to look for work, and I’d say that's been a trend since the spring of this year,” said Tony McNamara, Branch Manager. 
 
The number of positions they have open varies, but McNamara said it's harder to find qualified people.  
 
“Just because you're looking for work, doesn't mean you’re entitled to that job,” he said. 
 
They're looking for people with soft skills too; people who interview well and are personable, as well as the hard skills to do the job.
 
“It’s become much more of an employee market right now,” said McNamara. 
 
While the numbers sound good, they sound even better for President Obama’s reelection campaign. But political consultant, Jim Morrison said, be skeptical. He said there will likely be a correction to the job numbers next week that might change. He also added that the numbers might not change voter’s minds. 
 
“Who will change as a result of 7.8 vs. 8?” he said. 
 
It may only affect those who are undecided, but the unemployed may not be swayed at all. 
 
“People looking for a job, I don’t know that the number matters, they want to know when they’re going to get their job,” he said. 
 
McNamara said if you are one of the 7.8% looking for a job, have your resume up-to-date, highlight what the employer wants, and be flexible in any job available.