Economy and Employment

Shreveport's unemployment rate as of February 2011 was 7.2 percent, making it lower than the national average of 8.9 percent. Shreveport is considered the economic center for business and tourism in the region known as the Ark-La-Tex, where the borders of Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas meet. Shreveport-Bossier City enjoys a diversified economy that continues to expand. Part of this growth stems from its location on the Red River, as the Port of Shreveport-Bossier aids businesses in conducting trade efficiently. Shreveport's nearness to the interstate is another positive for business owners, providing access to 48 million people via Shreveport's freight carriers.

In addition to its location being a prime transportation route, the city maintains a proactive stance on business. New business development is encouraged via low-interest loans for investors renovating commercial buildings, as well as special tax credits and rebates for business owners in some areas.

EMPLOYMENT RESOURCES
Online employment services through websites such as Monster.com and Careerbuilder.com can be helpful when looking for work. Craigslist.com is also a great resource for all kinds of jobs in areas across the country.

Those seeking jobs at a state level can check out http://www.louisianan.gov/Business/Employment  for information on job opportunities at assorted state agencies, as well as http://agency.governmentjobs.com/louisiana/default.cfm  for civil service positions. The City of Shreveport has weekly job postings at their website, http://www.shreveportla.gov/dept/personel/emply.htm  as well as a 24-hour job announcement hotline, (318) 673-5170.

Wills-Knighton Health System is the largest health care organization in the area, with career listings available at http://www.wkhs.com. LSU Health Sciences Center Shreveport has a Jobs & Careers link on their website at http://www.lsuhscshreveport.edu. There are also job openings regularly listed on the school district websites, as well as local community colleges and technical colleges.

EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES
Employment agencies can be a great resource for job hunters. Companies often use agencies, as they do much of the footwork, including advertising and interviews. Shreveport-Bossier City has several placement agencies.

Express Employment
1409 E. 70th St., Suite 120
Shreveport, LA 71105 (318) 226-8777
http://www.expresspros.com
Recruiting for full-time administrative, IT, sales and industrial jobs, as well as temporary or temp-to-hire positions. Applicants can apply and conduct job searches online.

Career Adventures Inc.
324 Fort St.
Shreveport, LA 71101 (318) 226-WORK (9675)
http://www.careeradventures.com
Providing opportunities for temporary, temp-to-hire and direct hire, Career Adventures places for industrial, clerical and professional positions. Potential applicants can fill out an online application and search for jobs via the website.

Labor Ready Inc.
1406 Southern Ave.
Shreveport, LA 71101 (318) 222-0998
http://www.laborready.com
Labor Ready provides employment for those seeking both temporary and permanent positions in construction, retail, hospitality, warehousing, special events and auto services.

Jean Simpson Personnel Services
1318 Shreveport-Barksdale Highway
Shreveport, LA 71105 (318) 869-3494
http://www.jeansimpson.com
A locally owned agency that recruits for the fields of reception, administration, computer/data entry, accounting and medical office staffing.

SOS Staffing Services 1700 Old Minden Road, Suite 108 Bossier City, LA 71111 (318) 742-5822 http://www.sosstaffing.com SOS fills positions for accounting, administrative, engineering, technology and skilled trades in temporary, temp-to-hire and direct hire opportunities. 1st Choice Personnel
215 Bobbie St., Suite 100
Bossier City, LA 71111 (318) 747-1722
http://www.1stchoicepersonnel.net
Applicants can register online to seek employment for various jobs, with permanent, freelance, contract or contract-to-hire positions available.

JOB SEEKER TIPS
Make sure your resume is up-to-date and relevant to the particular job you apply for, highlighting skills that fit within that specific career. A cover letter outlining what you are seeking in a job and what you have to offer a company should be part of your resume. If possible, reference letters from former employers are always good to have on hand. Be ready to interview at any time.

Appropriate attitude and attire is important even when dropping off an application, as the person you give your resume to might be the same person interviewing you. Always follow up with a thank you letter and phone call to express your interest in the position.
SELF-EMPLOYMENT

With Shreveport's economy continuing to grow and expand, starting one's own business might be tempting. Shreveport-Bossier City offers many resources for self-starters, with a business resource guide available on the city website at http://www.shreveportla.gov/guide/index.htm. The Louisiana Small Business Development Center has an office at LSU Shreveport and can be reached at (318) 797-5144 for more information.  read more...

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