Career and job-search news, trends, and scoops for job-seekers,
compiled by the staff of Quintessential Careers.
April 27, 2007
Unemployment claims in U.S. dropped sharply last week.
According to the Department of Labor, the number of claims
for unemployment benefits filed by laid-off workers last week dropped
sharply -- by 20,000 -- to a total of 321,000.
The decrease in filings was the largest drop in almost two months and
possibly sends a signal that while the economy is sluggish (1.3 percent growth in the
first three months of 2007, the worst performance in four years), the job market remains decent.
April 18, 2007
About three-quarters of U.S. employers plan to hire college graduates this summer,
up slightly from the same period a year ago.
But while the numbers look good -- 76 percent of employers surveyed plan to hire
2007 grads -- these same employers also expect to receive an average of 73
applications for each available entry-level position.
The study was conducted by MonsterTRAK, the student division of Monster.com
April 12, 2007
According to a new book, there are four -- soon to be five -- generations of workers in
the workplace, all with different needs and expectations.
Authors Linda Gravett, Ph.D., and Robin Throckmorton break the generations in this fashion:
Radio Babies (1930-1945). While many are retiring, these folks generally like work and
remain enthusiastic about their careers.
Baby Boomers (1946-1964). Their focus is on gaining respect for their experience
and expertise.
Generation X's (1965-1976). Always seemingly misunderstood, these folks are
independent but loyal to their employers.
Generation Y's (1977-1991). Their lives are so intertwined with technology that
nothing exists outside of it.
Millennials (1991-). Just now beginning to enter the workforce, they too are
focused on the use of technology.
The book? Bridging the Generation Gap: How to Get Radio Babies, Boomers,
Gen Xers, And Gen Yers to Work Together And Achieve More. Find it -- and many
other great books -- in our General
Career and Job-Search Books for all Job-Seekers Section of our online bookstore.
April 7, 2007
Jobless claims rise in the U.S. even as employers add enough new jobs to drop unemployment rate to new low.
The Labor Department reported that weekly new applications filed for jobless benefits rose by a seasonally
adjusted 11,000, to 321,000, for the work week ending March 31. The showing on new jobless claims filings last
week was in line with analysts' expectations of a total around 320,000.
But when it came time to release the March job numbers, the department reported that 180,000
new jobs were added last month, with construction jobs led the way, especially for contractors and for commercial
building. Retailers, health care providers, educational services, and leisure and hospitality companies were among those
boosting their payrolls.
Factory workers were the worst effected. Makers cars and trucks, furniture, and clothing and textiles all eliminated jobs
last month. Another soft spot for workers was residential construction, a casualty of the housing slump.
Against all this employment news, it was also reported that unemployment fell from 4.5 percent in February
to 4.4 percent in March, matching the rate in October -- the lowest in five years.
April 1, 2007
More than half of us are considering switching careers -- or have recently switched careers.
According to a new study conducted by Money magazine and Salary.com, nearly 60 percent
of people surveyed have or are considering switching careers -- not just jobs.
Other issues people sought in a new job: a higher paycheck, quality healthcare benefits,
childcare benefits, and flexible scheduling options.
If you're thinking of a career change, but not sure how to go about it -- or even
what career you would switch to, read this article on Quintessential Careers:
Finding Your
Career Passion.
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.
