In economic development, whether meeting with businesses or networking with jobseekers, we hear two stories playing out at the same time—and they don’t seem to match.
On one side, employers say they can’t find the right talent. Not just technical skills, but the fundamentals: reliability, communication, willingness to learn, and the ability to work as part of a team. They want candidates who can grow with the company, adapt, and contribute to a positive workplace culture.
On the other side, job seekers—especially young adults and individuals re‑entering the workforce—tell us they apply to dozens of positions and never hear back. They feel employers are unwilling to take a chance on them, even when they bring transferrable skills, motivation, and a desire to contribute. Sometimes entry‑level candidates expect higher starting salaries before they’ve had the opportunity to prove themselves, creating a mismatch in expectations.
This disconnect poses an economic development challenge for any community. When businesses can’t find the desired talent and residents can’t find the right opportunity, the local economy risks losing momentum. Frederick’s continued growth depends on narrowing this gap.
So how do we shift the narrative in a community filled with amazing companies and incredible talent?
Exploring new career options.
Strategies for Job Seekers: Owning the Journey
Frederick’s job market is full of opportunity, but success requires intention and persistence. In a conversation with Patty McDonald, Manager of Business and Career Services with Frederick County Workforce Services, job seekers can strengthen their position by focusing on three core strategies:
Be intentional: Research companies before applying. Look for organizations whose mission, culture, and goals align with your own. Employers notice when candidates understand who they are and why they want to be part of the team.
Network with purpose: Connections matter. Many opportunities never make it to job boards, and a warm introduction can open doors that a résumé alone cannot. Attend local events, join professional groups, and build relationships that support your long‑term career path.
Stay positive: Job searching can be discouraging, but resilience is a competitive advantage. Maintaining a positive mindset helps candidates stay engaged, confident, and ready when the right opportunity appears.
Strategies for Employers: Rethinking Talent
Employers also play a critical role in strengthening Frederick’s workforce pipeline. A few shifts can make a big difference:
Embrace flexibility: Today’s workforce values balance, autonomy, and modern workplace practices. Offering flexible scheduling, hybrid options where possible, or creative shift structures can expand the talent pool and improve retention.
Recognize transferrable skills: A candidate may not check every box on a job description, but they may bring adaptability, customer service experience, leadership potential, or problem‑solving skills that translate across industries. Hiring for potential—and training for specifics—builds stronger teams.
Investing in Frederick’s Workforce of Tomorrow:
Both the City of Frederick’s Office of Opportunity and Transformation and the Frederick County Workforce Services continue to expand intentional, youth centered programming that introduces young people to the wide range of educational, career, and civic opportunities available locally — helping them envision a future in Frederick and encouraging them to build their lives here. Catalyst, one of the flagship programs, offers eligible young adults ages 16 to 24 individualized career services at no cost. The city also recently hosted a Youth Dialogue Forum, giving local students a space to explore their futures in Frederick and make meaningful connections with members of the business community.
Frederick is the fastest‑growing city and region in Maryland, and that growth is no accident. With so many positive business trends converging—new investment, expanding industries, and a rising talent pipeline—this is a moment of real opportunity. However, continued success requires continued effort. By strengthening connections between employers and job seekers, embracing flexibility, and investing in people, we can support even greater business growth and make Frederick an even more attractive destination for companies looking to build their future here.
To learn more about training programs, as well as apprenticeship, internship, and returnship opportunities at the city, county and state, connect with our economic development team at www.BusinessinFrederick.com .
To learn about local resources for talent development or programs and support for job seekers, connect with:
