LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Thousands of Kentuckians are still struggling to find work. Employment agencies are helping many of them, but agencies are facing their own challenges.
At Bluegrass Career Services, helping people find work is the mission. With the pandemic, the need has grown, but so has the number of challenges.
“Probably one of the biggest challenges we're facing right now is limited job leads. With employers going out of business or laying off themselves, there are just not a lot of job activity out there,” said Director Jaye Forsythe-Seward.
Forsythe-Seward says they've shifted to offering their services, like resume writing and practice interview help, virtually.
She says that's been a challenge itself for clients who aren't the most tech-savvy. With potential employers also doing things virtually, that area of support is something Sean Gladue has appreciated.
“It's been very helpful, especially with practicing interviews which we do virtually. Those can be honestly helpful because I'll admit, I'm not the most confident person with computers,” said Gladue.
Gladue has been a client with BCS since before the pandemic. Like other clients, another challenge he faces is increased competition. Gladue said he's applied to more than 40 positions just over the last few months, which he says can be demotivating. However, the agency has helped him expand his focus on what jobs to look for.
Even with the challenges they face to help job seekers, the agency is pushed by the successes they have had over the pandemic.
“We have seen so many of our clients recently that have still been able to find their job of interest and the employer that they wanted to and they're thriving,” said Forsythe-Seward. “Just to see them evolve and really come out in a positive light on the other side of this pandemic.”
