Companies promote quality benefits to draw employees
August 23, 2007
"You lookin' for a job? No experience? Well, we can train you."
It's a sales pitch Jessica LeBlanc has perfected during almost 25 years recruiting for offshore service companies. She knows how to lure in talent, and possibly convince them to apply with her company, M-I SWACO.
"Now Hiring" signs litter Lafayette, and job seekers can afford to be choosy. That's how it is these days, as Lafayette's 3.4 unemployment rate in June was lowest in Louisiana - again.
Recruiters must convince the talent that they're worth the time it takes to fill out an application. The flash and presentation of a pretty job fair booth can help do that.
Eighty-five companies put on their best show for job seekers Wednesday at the 12th annual LEDA Job Fair. It's the largest annual recruiting event in Acadiana. About 1,400 job seekers attended the fair.
There was more demand for employer booths this year than ever before, said Gregg Gothreaux, president and CEO of the Lafayette Economic Development Authority.
"We had to turn some (employers) away," he said. "Last year set the lowest unemployment rate record for Lafayette's history, so people who want a job can get a job. I think this year people here may be trying to move to a different job."
More companies like M-I SWACO are trying to set themselves apart with better benefits packages, or tuition reimbursement for job-related degrees.
Air Logistics helicopter company will reimburse the tuition for new pilots' training, a position in steady turnover because of staff now near retirement, said recruiter Katie Coutee.
When flight school is paid back that's a $50,000 value, and pilot salaries start at $50,000 per year, she said.
In Louisiana, someone without a college degree can make $50,000 or more in high-demand oilfield-related jobs. Some recruiters said the Gulf Coast opportunities change how Louisianans view college.
"Monday we had 10 (high school) kids return to school who worked for us during the summer," said M-I SWACO recruiter Johnny Forestier. "Most of them will return to us after their school, I think. We have good retention."
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