Survey results reveal job search environment in northwest Minnesota

BEMIDJI — Staff from the Rural Minnesota Concentrated Employment Program (RMCEP) and the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), alongside other workforce development professionals in northwest Minnesota conducted a CareerForce job search experience survey in July, and the results are now available.

The survey asked staff members to evaluate the current job market to describe how easy or difficult it is for job seekers they are working with to secure work.

Of the 51 professionals surveyed, one said that it is much easier for job seekers to find employment compared to a year ago; six stated that it was somewhat easier; 17 said it was somewhat harder; eight said it was much harder and 19 said the job search environment is about the same as it was last year.

Staff members did highlight nuances, a release noted. For instance, it was observed that it is easier than it was a year ago to be hired for food service positions, such as cooks, servers and bartenders, as well as health care support positions like nursing assistants and personal care aides.

Conversely, staff observed that it may be more difficult to be hired in creative and legal fields as well as architectural and engineering fields than it was a year ago.

In addition to the regional survey, a statewide CareerForce survey was conducted with 310 staff members. This broad survey saw 34 professionals state that it was somewhat easier or much easier to secure work; 86 stated the job market was roughly the same and 174 stated it was somewhat or much harder to find employment than a year ago.

The CareerForce surveys help RMCEP and DEED evaluate the current regional job search environment while tracking how it has changed over time.

CareerForce is the state’s official career exploration and job search resource with more than 50 locations scattered throughout the state.

Rural Minnesota Concentrated Employment Program provides career counseling, training, and employment services across 19 counties in northwest Minnesota, helping job seekers connect with in-demand careers and supporting employers with a skilled workforce.