Career and job-search news, trends, and scoops for job-seekers,
compiled by the staff of Quintessential Careers.
May 5, 2006
Jobless claims in U.S. rise as employers add fewer jobs, but wages are up.
The Labor Department reported that jobless claims unexpectedly rose 5,000 last week -- new claims for state
unemployment insurance benefits increased to 322,000 in the week ended April 29, the highest level since
November, compared with an upwardly revised 317,000 the previous week. Analysts had expected new
claims to fall to 310,000 last week from an initially reported 315,000 the previous week.
In other employment news, U.S. employers added 138,000 jobs in April, far fewer than the 200,000 new jobs
had been expected -- and the smallest increase since last October. Furthermore, the government also said
36,000 fewer jobs were created in the February-March period than previously thought.
The unemployment rate was unchanged from March at 4.7 percent.
In the one bit of good news, the Labor Department also reported that average hourly earnings rose
3.8 percent in the 12 months through April -- the stiffest year-over-year rise since a matching
3.8 percent pickup in August 2001.
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.
