Record unemployment?

I hear on the news that there is record unemployment and I know times are tough. I know of people that have had their salaries cut because their bosses say they would rather do that than lay them off. I also have heard that a lot of people have been laid off. So why is it so hard to find full time kitchen help. I've been looking for a full time line cook for a while and I'm getting no response. Being in LaGrange, I would think that anyone that lives in the general area, who is unemployeed, would be all over that to avoid having to drive into Louisville everyday and have Sunday and Monday off. This unemployment thing must just be in certain types of work. I don't believe there is enough restaurant employees to go around.

Well I believe it. My husband just got laid off today
(I cancelled my reservations at Varanese..I hate to say I can't even justify that now.) I wish my husband had some cooking skills then I could send him to you! You'd ask him to boil water and he'd have a consfused look on his face

Trust me the number of unemployed are many - I am one of the many, many faces. Unfortunately, the last time I worked in a restaurant kitchen was during high school. Yes, I'm a very accomplished 'home cook' - had my own catering company back in the 80's, but that doesn't qualify me for the open kitchen jobs around.

My field is/was individual giving and special events for non-profits. Also worked as a catering manager for Jarfi's Bistro and Catering briefly. Long story short - you never know why people aren't responding. They maybe qualified or over-qualified and are holding out for 'something better'. Good luck to all - it's tough being older and looking for work.

On my end, the problem is somewhat different. I get a lot of response from people who are way over-qualified for the simple prep positions, or I get those people who are looking for a paycheck instead of a job (of course, you get these kinds no matter what the economy is like). So if anything I'm seeing the unemployment occurring on upper tiers. Maybe all of the good commis have been snatched up and are currently employed? Plus you have to imagine a line cook will probably work for less than a sous chef, so a lot of mid-level spots have probably been filled up with line cooks who have ambition.

Unfortunately, good help is always hard to find in this business, no matter how bad the economy is. There are plenty of paycheck collectors out there, but fortunately, you are way off the bus line. Your location in Lagrange is pretty far out there for some one with skill to drive out to from town, for what I would assume to be a 10 to 12 dollar an hour job. However, I have a pretty sizable stack of recent applications and getting more by the day. I will gladly mention your open position when accepting them.

Steve -

Also being in Oldham County I can say that we have much better response from further out I-71than from Jefferson County. The general feeling from those that I have spoken with is that Oldahm County is too far to travel. They are more than willing to spend 20 minutes getting from home to work within Jefferson County, but not 20 minutes to get to you in LaGrange from say, St. Matthews or Clifton.

Come to think of it (this will cause some response; perhaps a new thread will be needed), that is the same with trying to attact guests. While Oldham County travels to Jefferson County, Jefferson County rarely returns the favor. I can not explain it, but I probably get more guests from Indiana than Jefferson County.

Anyway, good luck on finding the right person!

Yep, Steve, it's pretty much "where" you are - we have people beating down the doors half the time to get into our kitchen at Lou Lou. Does Buckner or LaGrange have a local weekly shopper's paper or something? You might try an ad in there. And don't forget Craigslist like Annemarie said.

Also: consider putting up a discreet sign near your restroom area or something. That will be seen by people who are eating at your restaurant, so they and their families and friends might be a little more "local" to SOAS.

Lastly: Get in touch with the employment assistance program at Sullivan! They are sure to find someone for you - that someone may be a little green, but probably eager to work. Sullivan prides themselves on placing over 95% of students that ask them for help finding a job. Sullivan's Louisville Career Services Office number for employers to contact is 413-8600. Actually, I'd try there first.

Good luck!

I hear on the news that there is record unemployment and I know times are tough. I know of people that have had their salaries cut because their bosses say they would rather do that than lay them off. I also have heard that a lot of people have been laid off. So why is it so hard to find full time kitchen help. I've been looking for a full time line cook for a while and I'm getting no response. Being in LaGrange, I would think that anyone that lives in the general area, who is unemployeed, would be all over that to avoid having to drive into Louisville everyday and have Sunday and Monday off. This unemployment thing must just be in certain types of work. I don't believe there is enough restaurant employees to go around.

You might try calling the Francene show on Friday. She is running a free "job fair". WHAS 84 am .. at 10:00 am and says she has had success in matching people with jobs. WHAS carries out to your area.

Well I believe it. My husband just got laid off today
(I cancelled my reservations at Varanese..I hate to say I can't even justify that now.) I wish my husband had some cooking skills then I could send him to you! You'd ask him to boil water and he'd have a consfused look on his face

Sorry to hear that. It is always devastating, especially a young person with a family. Good luck.

Thanks Steve,
I talked to Francene and I will be on the show Friday.