BonnerSprings.com

When Shari and Loren Fields moved to Bonner Springs from Newton, Iowa earlier this year, they had no idea how hard it would be to find employment.

Since then, Shari has been submitting at least three to four applications a month, only to be called in for four interviews in the five-month time period.

“There are so many out of work,” Shari said.

Now, the Fields, along with the Bonner Springs United Methodist Church, are lending support to others in similar situations in a new support group called Job Seekers. The group meets at 6:30 p.m. Mondays, at the Bonner Springs Community Center, 200 E. Third St.

The purpose of the club is to not find members a job, but to give them the resources and tools required for such a feat.

In this economy, and especially this time of year, Shari said it was easy for those looking for jobs to get down on themselves. She said she hoped the group would lift peoples’ spirits by providing the opportunity to talk with others in their situation.

Each meeting, Shari said there would be time for people to talk with each other and network about the type of job they’re looking for. She also hopes to have guest speakers to cover various topics such as writing a resume and interview skills. The meetings will end with a question and answer session where the group’s resources and connections with area job clubs will come in handy.

One example of the type of resources the group hopes to provide the community involves special employment situations that may require some research.

At the first meeting on Nov. 9, Shari said a man attended who was looking for a job but was having difficulty getting hired because he was a convicted felon. In response, Shari did research and was prepared at the next meeting to arm the man with information about an incentive program employers can use if they hired a felon.

“It’s something a lot of employers don’t know about,” she said. “Hopefully, now he can feel more armed (with information) and comfortable when talking to a potential employer.”

Also helping with the group is church member Cheryl Coleman, who was the first to bring the idea to the church’s attention.

“I think there is a need in this town,” Coleman said of why she wanted to start the group. “There’s a need in every community.”

Shari highlighted that need with an experience she had on her job search. She said recently a receptionist job became available at Bonner Springs City Hall and there were 100 applicants.

Shari said she couldn’t believe the number of people going after any job that became available, even if they were over qualified.

“You have to reinvent yourself,” Shari said of the job market. “And don’t think it doesn’t affect small towns. It happens here, too.”

Both Shari and Coleman agreed that the way many people are finding work these days is through people they know.

In fact, Shari said she was finally able to secure part-time employment as a Hy-Vee food demonstrator by contacting a family member who worked for Hy-Vee in another state. While she’s thankful to have some income coming, she says she needs more than the store can give her, so her job hunt is not finished.

“I’m glad to have a job,” she said. “I had to be open-minded about the hours, but that’s just the way it is today.”

At Job Seekers, Shari said because of her experience finding work she especially hoped networking became a prevalent topic.

“You have to let people know you’re looking,” Shari said. “Make business cards, and give them to everyone. What used to work may not work anymore (in the current job market).”

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