Nevada's chief economist is calling this quote: the 'longest, deepest recession since World War Two.' Our state now has the third highest unemployment rate in the nation, trailing only behind Michigan and Rhode Island. 12.5 percent of our state population is jobless, and that number ticks quickly upward.

Our state's chief economist says while the national economy is starting to see some growth, nevada hasn't even hit rock bottom yet.

We visited the Job Connect office on South Virginia Street and found 20-year-old Adam Romero. He says he's had zero luck with his resume, and feels the competition for jobs in Nevada is just too high--no matter how hard you look.

"All day long. It's hot out here. I got no money for the bus 'cause I have no job," said Romero.

250 people a day visit the Job Connect office on South Virginia Street..and every one of them has a heartbreaking story.

"I have been putting in 25 to 30 applications a day, five days a week. Sometimes more," Diana Donohoe-Lindsey\Jobless, Reno.

Diana Lindsey says she was laid off from the homeless shelter--ironic, given her recent financial situation.

"You can't put all your eggs in one basket, so I just continue to apply, apply, apply," said Lindsey.

Steve Mullane says he needs work badly, and not just for selfish reasons.

"I moved here to help my parents who are elderly and not in great health," said Mullane.

Out of all the jobs available, Mullane says he only qualifies for about three.

"Depends on how many other people apply. Maybe they'll hire someone younger than me, someone more qualified."

Dorothy Konop wouldn't give us her age, but says she retired from work in 1980. Now she's afraid her social security might run out---and needs a job to help pay her bills.

"I want to work with flowers. I like flowers."
Reporter: "That would be fun. Have you found any jobs yet?"
"No," said Konop.

Some job-seekers couldn't even look away from their computer to do an interview...saying, time wasted could mean a lost chance at a job. Others say they'd be happy to talk to us--but only if we paid them.

"Looking for a job is my full-time job. I'm out here all day long. It's hard," said Romero.

The jobless rate here in Reno is currently at 12.2 percent. Just one year ago, that rate was at 6.9 percent. While some national economists insist the recession coming to an end, the nearly 30,000 unemployed residents here in Nevada aren't buying it.

Job Fair
September 1st, 11:00 to 2:00 p.m.
Grand Sierra Resort
www.nationalcareerfairs.com
702-614-9537

Sierra Army Depot Job Fairs
August 24-26
Army Depot Jobs Available