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Routt County unemployment ballooned to 7.6 percent in April, the latest in a stream of troubling and disheartening economic news for Northwest Colorado.

Not only are folks here losing their jobs, there simply aren't enough new employment opportunities to bring them all back into the work force.

The situation is even more dire for the residents who have home mortgages, child care and other essential expenses to take care of each month. More and more locals are reaching out for help. As has been reported in this newspaper, local health and human service agencies are experiencing skyrocketing demand for their services - much of it from residents who never before needed the assistance.

Although we can't promise an economic rebound and increased employment opportunities in the immediate future, we can emphasize and repeat some sound advice from local employment and human resource experts.

First, we urge all job-seekers to attend Thursday's Routt County Summer Resource Fair, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Olympian Hall at Howelsen Hill.

The free event, hosted by the Colorado Workforce Center, will include a variety of job-related resources, including assessment services, bankruptcy attorneys and resume help.

The Colorado Workforce Center also has teamed up with Colorado Mountain College to offer free computer software training this week. Beginner and intermediate sessions on Microsoft Word and Outlook were held Tuesday. A session titled "Microsoft Word Tips and Tricks" is from 9 a.m. to noon today, followed by "Excel Tips and Tricks" from 1 to 4 p.m. A course on Microsoft Outlook from 9 a.m. to noon Thursday rounds out the offerings.

Call 879-3075 or e-mail steamboatsprings@cwfc.net to sign up.

Karen Goedert, who runs a local human resources consulting firm and has organized a job-seeker networking group in town, suggests people treat their job search like a full-time job. We think that assessment is spot-on.

With such limited job opportunities here and elsewhere, applicants must find ways to stand out from the crowd. Building your skill set takes time and effort, but it's one of the best ways to expand the types of jobs you may qualify for.

Goedert's other tips for job-seekers:

- Flexibility - Be willing and able to be diverse with your job skills and what you are willing to do.

- Make your technical and communication skills as strong as possible.

- Network face to face.

- Register with the Steamboat Springs branch of the Colorado Workforce Center.

- Stay healthy and positive. Vent if you need to.

- Play up your assets.

- Get an e-mail address that's appropriate for business use.

- Electronic communication such as e-mail or social networking site messages should be as professional as letters sent on paper.

- Make sure your resume includes contact information, work history and skills. Proofread carefully before distributing.

- Use good-quality paper for resumes.

- Wear appropriate attire when inquiring about or interviewing for jobs.

There are many other resources available for the unemployed. Don't be afraid to use them, and don't hesitate to seek guidance or help as you look for your next job. The Steamboat Springs chapter of the Colorado Workforce Center is at 425 Anglers Drive in the Sundance at Fish Creek shopping center. Call the center at 970-879-3075.