Ed Hill went from being unemployed to employed in several months after he landed a job as a customer scheduling specialist with Coca- Cola Enterprises in April.

His position is one of more than 80 similar positions that have been filled since March in the cold drinks division at the Coca- Cola Enterprises customer service center in the Eastgate Metroplex. That division is looking to fill about 16 more positions.

"I really like dealing with the customers... When I come in and I sit down, it's different each day. So it's not repetitious," said Hill.

Count Hill among the fortunate job-seekers who has re-entered the work force following a layoff.

Even though Tulsa has weathered the recession better than most cities in the nation, the downturn still has been felt here in layoffs, hiring freezes and other cutbacks at many local businesses.

Despite this downsizing, there still are pockets of demand in certain sectors locally. Calling on the jobless

Call centers, like the one that hired Hill, are among the companies still hiring. Other employment opportunities also are out there if job-seekers have the right training or experience and know where to look.

"Jobs requiring special skills continue to be in demand, especially positions in accounting, IT, sales and collections," said John Favell, owner and CEO of Favell Cos., a local staffing firm, in an e-mailed comment.

"In today's economy, companies are willing to spend additional effort to collect their receivables and to create more sales. With slight improvements in business, companies are needing additional help for short- and long-term projects, such as IT and accounting."

Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group is one example of the trend. Last week, the Tulsa-based car rental firm announced it wants to hire 19 information technology managers. The company has slashed employment in the past few years because of the slump in travel, but now says it needs more IT professionals to handle "critical functions" as it seeks to grow again. Showing promise

Even in local sectors that have been particularly hard-hit -- including manufacturing and distribution -- the news is not all bad.

Favell said that he recently met with several presidents in the manufacturing sector and is encouraged that new sales activities could lead them to add staff in the future.

Manufacturing has had some difficulties, but is stronger in Oklahoma than it is in some surrounding areas, according to Norma Noble, deputy secretary of commerce for work force development. It is still an important sector in terms of job creation, along with aerospace and health care.