entura County benefits from the stability of a diversified economy, enabling it to weather the inevitable ups and downs of economic forces that are out of its control. The county’s economic base has grown more varied and diverse in recent years. Once based primarily on oil and agriculture, the economy has expanded considerably. Finance, insurance and real estate account for a significant part of that base, followed by manufacturing and high-tech. Most cities in the county have experienced retail sales growth, but a slowing housing market has had an effect on real estate, construction and related industries.

Labor Market
One of the more prominent victims of the slumping real estate market is Countrywide Financial Inc., the largest provider of home financing in the nation, which has laid off about 11,000 employees nationwide since mid-2007. As of press time on this publication, the troubled Calabasas-based mortgage lender, which lost $422 million in the fourth quarter of 2007, was set to be acquired by Bank of America. And, Amgen, another major Ventura County employer and the largest independent biotechnology firm in the world, laid off 12 to 14 percent of its worldwide workforce in 2007. Together, these two companies account for about 4 percent of total wage and salary employment in Ventura County, according to the California Economic Forecast. Moreover, they have accounted for 14 percent of total job creation in the county since 1997.

Although job growth has continued, it has slowed considerably

throughout the county since mid-2006, which coincides with the initial stages of the real estate downturn. Non-farm job growth stood at 1.3 percent for 2007, representing nearly 4,000 additional jobs countywide. As expected, job growth fell in real estate, construction and related industries.

The unemployment rate stood at 5.1 percent in mid-2007, an increase of 0.4 percent from the previous year. It’s still one of the lowest rates on record, and the county remains in the midst of a tight labor market.

Average salaries rose 2.2 percent from 2005 to 2006. The highest-paying sector remains finance and insurance, with an average salary of almost $85,000. Salaries declined in the manufacturing sector, which employs some 12 percent of the local workforce. And, the most significant increases in salary occurred in the information technology and state government sectors.

Scanning some of the county’s top employers reveals the diversity of industry and employment. The military’s presence is a strong one, with the consolidated Naval Base Ventura County leading the pack. Government jobs follow, specifically the thousands of people who work for the County of Ventura and State of California. Then there’s biotech research giant Amgen, which has a considerable presence in Ventura County. School districts, city governments and hospitals also are major employers. See the accompanying charts for a more detailed look at where the jobs are in Ventura County.

Finding a Job
Time to begin your job-hunt in earnest has arrived. And everyone is ready with free advice. It can go well if you prepare yourself. Evaluate your abilities and realistic possibilities, and know what to expect. Drafting a well-written, effective resume can make a difference. Ask yourself not only what you did but how you can make it sound good.

Informal methods of job searching are the most popular and, in the long run, most effective. You can find targets for your search by looking in the Yellow Pages and chamber of commerce membership directories. Or visit the career centers in public libraries for assistance. After you have the appropriate names and addresses of employers, make direct application to as many as you can, often without certain knowledge that a vacancy exists. Network with friends, relatives and anyone you meet for potential job leads and information.

Consult the “classified want ads” in your local newspaper regularly. Answer ads promptly.

When you are called for an interview, research the company. Even some knowledge of a prospective employer’s products or policies will impress the person who interviews you.

Don’t forget to “dress for success” when you visit a company. First impressions count, so dress conservatively.

Job Services Offices
The California State Employment Development Department (EDD) provides assistance without charge, including counseling, testing, job development and training, and placement. Call (805) 382-8610 or visit the job service office at 635 S. Ventura Road, Oxnard. EDD has a computer-assisted job-search program in its lobby. Or you can access the state’s online job-listing bank CalJOBS 24 hours a day (http://www.caljobs.ca.gov)

Career Training / Planning Centers
Do you feel stagnant or stuck in a rut with your job? Not sure what career you want to pursue. Then, consider the career and vocational facilities located throughout Ventura County for a career change. These institutions offer career-training services that range from a high school diploma to training in the fields of automotive, real estate, office occupational, medical assistance, motion picture, high-tech systems, software and communications. Financial assistance, job-placement services, and day and evening classes are available. Some centers also offer childcare services.

Your future begins right now. Check with your city administration, colleges and local telephone directories for listings in your area.

Employment Agencies
Employment services feature several choices when hunting for the right job.

You may have to pay for the services, depending on the type of job you are seeking and whether you decide you want help. Read a company’s contract to understand what you are obligated for, such as paying fees even if you leave the job.

You can find several such employment agencies in the area, some of which also offer temporary placements. Temp services often are helpful in finding full-time work. Fortunately, temp agencies charge the employer. When you sign up with a temp agency, you become its employee unless the company decides to hire you.

Local temp agencies specialize in different areas: sales, industrial, technical, general clerical, legal, medical, executive and professional.

Internet Services
The Internet is an invaluable system for locating employment. Most large companies have web sites containing information and job listings. You can find the addresses by using an online search engine or directory, or consulting the local newspaper.

America’s Job Bank (www.ajb.dni.us) provides a job resource library that will guide you through your job search. Topics covered are grouped into three main categories: Preparing to Search, Locating a Job, and Other Job Search Resources.

Other Internet addresses that may be useful are:

U.S. Customs Service
A United States Customs Officer is available at the Oxnard Harbor District, 333 Pomona St., Port Hueneme, CA, (805) 488-8574.

Business Groups
The area is blessed with numerous business associations that are dedicated to bringing economic prosperity to its residents. They not only work for specific goals of economic development, but they also encourage networking and support among individual companies. The chambers of commerce established in almost every major community sponsor regular meetings and mixers for business people and supply a wealth of information upon request.