The state now says unemployment numbers in the area have improved since last month, but are still much higher than they were a year ago.

People we talked to Wednesday say the search is always on going but say their thankful there are opportunities to be found, if you look in the right place.

"Before I was unemployed I was a truck driver," says DuWayne Mickelson.

DuWayne Mickelson says he's been unemployed for more than a year but says places like the Job Center in Eau Claire have been helpful in his search.

"She helped me write a resume and that's something I didn't have and it was really important to have one," says Mickelson.

The Department of Workforce Development says unemployment decreased in 10 of the state's 12 more populated areas from September to October but it's still almost twice as high as it was a year ago here in Eau Claire.

Business Services Coordinator for the Eau Claire Job Center, Deb Leslie, says she knows people are hiring.

"There are quite a few seasonal positions open right now that there hiring and that will probably help folks," says Deb Leslie.

She says some jobs out there right now might not be nine to five, but she says showing you can be versatile could help you out in the long run.

"I think any job you work you get a new set of skills and so when the economy comes back, and it will, then you’ll have another set of skills and you show you're adaptable and flexible," says Leslie.

That's just what Michael Mayville is doing.

"I am not doing exactly what I want to do but I'm really grateful I am working making a paycheck so I can feed my children and my family," says Michael Mayville.

Mayville says it can be depressing not having a job, which he didn't for 10 months. While his new job isn't what he's used to he says it's a good job, something he's very thankful for.

"Oh, I'm definitely thankful for it, there's turkey on the table this year it's going to be great," says Mayville.

The Eau Claire Job Center is a free resource for anyone who needs help. Deb Leslie says the best thing you can do is network and let people know you're looking for a job.

Across the state, unemployment rates last month dropped in 27 Wisconsin counties, rose in 35 and remained the same in 10.

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ORIGINAL STORY:

Unemployment rates around Wisconsin improved last month, but they're still significantly up from this time last year.

The Department of Workforce Development says unemployment decreased in ten of the state's 12 metro areas from September to October.

In the Eau Claire-Chippewa Falls area, the rate decreased from 6.2 percent to 6 percent. But it's higher than last year's rate of 3.8 percent.

Across the state in October, the Janesville area had the highest jobless rate at 10.9 percent. The Madison area had the lowest at 5.5 percent