Career and job-search news, trends, and scoops for job-seekers,
compiled by the staff of Quintessential Careers.
June 26, 2005
U.S. jobless claims dropped last week, but what does it really mean?
The Labor Department reported that Americans filing new applications for unemployment
benefits fell by 20,000 last week -- to a new total of 314,000. Analysts had
predicted a 3,000 decline.
The decline in jobless claims follows last week's increase of 1,000 and was the
biggest one-week drop since a decline of 33,000 the week of April 16.
The more stable four-week average of jobless claims fell to 333,000 -- down from
335,500 the previous week.
Some experts say the decline in jobless claims proves the job market is getting better, but
that discounts all the recent news of some very major companies announcing massive
layoffs and downsizing over the next few years.
Bottom-line? Stay active in building and maintaining your
network of contacts,
so that you are aware of potential new job/career opportunities.
June 22, 2005
Wondering what different occupations in the U.S. earn annually?
Average annual wages in the U.S.:
Surgeons, $145,600
Physicians, general practitioner, $137,700
Psychiatrists, $136,500
Airline pilots, $128,100
Dentists, $120,400
Engineering managers, $95,600
Lawyers, $92,700
Computer and information systems managers, $90,500
Marketing managers, $85,200
Pharmacists, $82,500
Sales managers, $82,000
Education administrators, $74,000
Public relations managers, $67,800
Construction managers, $67,600
Chiropractors, $66,600
Computer programmers, $61,700
Real estate brokers, $54,400
Registered nurses, $51,000
Funeral directors, $46,100
Secondary schoolteachers, $45,000
Police and sheriff's patrol officers, $44,500
Postal service mail carriers, $44,500
Carpenters, $34,900
Truck drivers, $33,200
Correctional officers and jailers, $33,200
News reporters, analysts and correspondents, $31,700
Automotive technician and mechanic, $31,600
Medical assistants, $24,300
Source: Career InfoNet
June 18, 2005
Teens choose teacher, doctor, and lawyer as top career paths.
In a recent study, teens aged 13 to 17 were asked to give their three top choices
in response to a question about the kind of work they will do for a career.
For teenage girls, the top career choices are: teacher, lawyer, doctor, nurse,
fashion designer, scientist/biologist, author/writer, veterinarian,
artist, and job in the medical field.
For teenage boys, the top career choices are: career in sports field, doctor,
architect, engineer, teacher, businessman, lawyer, the military,
scientist/biologist, and a job working with computers.
The Gallop Youth Survey was first conducted in 1977 -- and at the time, the
top choice for teen girls was secretary and for teen boys skilled worker.
According to a report on CareerJournal.com, workers in the U.S.
can expect a 3.7 percent pay raise this year, which will be the second year
of increased raises for employees after a three year decline.
And data compiled by Salary.com reveal that 2005 expected increases
will be slightly higher than the 3.6 percent average raise last year. Average
salary increases bottomed out at a five year low of 3.4 percent in 2003, after
hitting a five year high of 4.4 percent in 2001.
The U.S. government forecasts a rise in new jobs for 2005.
The Bush Administration announced that employment will rise by 2.1 million this
year to an annual average of 133.6 million -- about the same prediction as
they made in December.
Next year, the administration predicts another 2.2 million new jobs will be generated,
boosting annual average employment to 135.8 million.
June 4, 2005
If you're in healthcare or construction, there may be a new job for you, otherwise...
...the job market looked bleak with the May new job creation report
from the U.S. Department of Labor showing that only 78,000 jobs were
created in the U.S. last month -- the weakest growth in 21 months
(since August 2003), and less than half of the 185,000 new jobs
analysts expected to be created.
The only real job gains were in healthcare, with 26,000 new jobs
created, and construction, with 20,000 new jobs created.
Factory/manufacturing lost 7,000 jobs -- the third straight month of
job losses -- as producers continue to scale back production to reduce
backlogged inventories.
A few bits of good employment news: the unemployment rate dropped slightly from
5.2 percent to 5.1 percent -- the lowest level since September 2001.
And the percentage of the working-age population who are holding down
a job moved to its highest level since October 2002.
So, the job market continues to be mixed. Anecdotal evidence points to
numerous job openings at the entry-level and low-paying dimension, but
higher wage positions are still harder to find. And certain industries
continue to be stagnant.
Can't say it often enough: if you are thinking about seeking a new job,
in the middle of a job-search, or struggling with finding employment...
you must work on developing, expanding, and using your network
of contacts to help you track down job leads. Read more about the power
of networking here: Networking
Your Way to a New Job.
June 1, 2005
What's your outlook on your company and your job there? Compare it to these results.
According to a new poll, 74 percent of working Americans say the company they
work for is doing better compared to a year ago, a significant increase over the 57 percent
who said the same last year.
In addition, while 45 percent say it's at least somewhat likely they won't be working for
the same employer within the next 12 months, an overwhelming majority of respondents
(96 percent) say it will be of their own choosing.
Other findings from the Maritz Research poll of 1,001 workers across the U.S.:
Only one-in-ten (10 percent) strongly agree that they
look forward to going to work every day.
Only one-in-ten (11 percent) strongly agree that their
company is a 'fun' place to work.
One-in-five (20 percent) feel strongly that their work
gives them a strong feeling of personal accomplishment.
One-in-five (19 percent) strongly agree that their
company is the 'best' in the industry.
Job Stuff, A Blog for Your Career, from Stephen Harris.
Stephen's blog is a great resource for those job-seekers who find yourselves in transition, searching for guidance
and reassurance.
The Occupational Adventure Blog, from
Curt Rosengren, a Passion Catalyst. Curt's blog is great for finding encouraging ideas (and resources) for moving forward with your career... a career
that lights your fire.
Blue Sky Resumes Blog, from career
expert Louise Fletcher, a general career and job-search blog that covers all aspects of the job-hunt.
