Career and job-search news, trends, and scoops for job-seekers,
compiled by the staff of Quintessential Careers.
September 27, 2006
Here's a partial list of the top places to work, according to Working Mother magazine.
The magazine, which has reviewed companies for the past 20 years,
uses five main criteria as a basis for its rankings: flexibility, leave
time for new parents, child care, elder care, and number of women occupying top jobs.
Florida maintains its position as one of the nation's top states for new jobs.
According to data released by the Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation, more
than 243,000 jobs were created during the 12 months that ended in August, giving
the state a growth rate of 3.1 percent -- well ahead of the national average of
1.3 percent.
Job growth was strongest in the areas of professional and business services,
trade, transportation and utilities, construction, and hospitality.
Fall is always a good time for job-hunting, but do it now rather than later in the season.
And experts say this fall will be even better for job-seekers than the past couple of seasons.
OK, while it is not technically autumn according to the calendar until next weekend, the period from Labor
Day to Thanksgiving is a great time for job-hunting, perhaps second only to right after the start
of a new year (when budgets replenished and jobs are more plentiful).
Now that all the summer holidays and vacations are over, it's back to business for companies,
which means that projects that were delayed or postponed are being started and companies
are planning for next year -- so it is important for job-seekers to strike while employers
are open to new hires.
If you're a little rusty with your job-search skills, then take advantage of all the free
tools, tips, and tutorials we offer by going to our
Career Resources Toolkit for Job-Seekers.
September 8, 2006
The number of jobless claims dropped more than expected last week.
The U.S. Department of Labor reported that the number of newly laid off
workers filing claims for unemployment benefits totaled 310,000 -- down
9,000 from the previous week, and the biggest decline in seven weeks.
Because of a slowing economy, economists had expected a higher number of
claims as companies reduce their workforce.
The four-week average for jobless claims went down to 315,250, compared
to 318,250 for the previous week.
New York, Kentucky, and North Carolina had the biggest increase in unemployment,
while Ohio, Virginia, and Michigan fared the best.
September 4, 2006
New jobs added in August, and some (U.S.) Labor Day facts and figures.
The observance of Labor Day has been going on for more than a hundred years, although
there is a debate about when the first observance actually occurred.
Labor Day, now the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated
to the social and economic achievements of American workers. The first observance of Labor Day is
believed to have happened on this same date in 1882, in New York City, with a parade possibly organized by
Peter J. McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a co-founder
of the American Federation of Labor.
However, others believe that Matthew Maguire, a machinist, not Peter McGuire, founded the holiday.
Maguire, later the secretary of Local 344 of the International Association of Machinists in Paterson,
N.J., proposed the holiday in 1882 while serving as secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York.
Regardless of the actual origin, state legislatures began passing laws marking a day to observe the holiday,
and in 1894 Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday
in the District of Columbia and the territories as a national tribute to the contributions workers have
made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being the U.S.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the civilian workforce, as of August 2006, was 151.7 million strong, with about 81 million
working men and 70.5 working women. The unemployment rate stands at 4.7 percent, down from 4.8 percent in July.
Employers added 128,000 new jobs in August, mainly in education, financial services, and healthcare. Job cuts occurred
in manufacturing, retailing, and trucking.
September 2, 2006
Here are six ways to jump-start your career.
According to a recent Fortune Magazine story about
outgrowing your job and having no where to get promoted to
because a glut of older workers not leaving their job, here
are six things anyone can do to move ahead in your career:
Look for a fast-growing industry
Gain international experience
Consider employment with a smaller company
Seek out a mentor
Be the problem-solver for the toughest problems
Become an entrepreneur and start your own business
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.
