Unemployed compete for radio resume ads

AUSTIN (KXAN) - For the last 7 months Jesse Johns has continued to work closely with computers. He volunteers his time helping residents at Lakeline Oaks Retirement Community with a number of activities, including navigating the internet, while he continues to search for a full time job.

Dell in Round Rock laid him off after eight and a half years. He was a program manager in the education department.

"My job ended because of cost reduction," said Johns. "It just simply got outsourced and it was moved over to Asia-Pacific."

He has a wife and a daughter who is about to turn 16 years old. He started marketing himself immediately, but has not had any luck. Johns has sent out more than 775 resumes and filled out more than 375 applications.

"One day I managed to get 16 rejection e-mails," said Johns. "So needless to say, that crushes you pretty quickly."

His resume did catch the eye of local country music station KASE 101. They had just launched a contest that coincides with their call letters – “Keep Austin Staffed and Employed.” His written resume won a spot on their website for employers to explore, and a free 30-second ad is running on the radio that Johns wrote, and voiced himself.

"I didn't realize how short 30 seconds really is," said Johns.

Clear Channel Communications stations across the country have come up with similar campaigns.

"The number one reason why we did this was because we are licensed to serve the public, and the public is in need." said Mac Daniels, Program Director for KASE 101.

The stations picks a handful of winners each week who enter online. They can be unemployed, or just ready for a change.

"We don't promise anybody that they're gonna get a job, but we give them a very unique opportunity to make their best pitch," said Daniels.

Even though Johns has not received any responses, if his message reaches the right person it will pay off.

"It has been that hope, maybe just maybe somebody out there is willing to take a look at my resume and hire me," said Johns.

KASE plans on continuing the contest as long as a large number of locals need help finding jobs.