Career and job-search news, trends, and scoops for job-seekers,
compiled by the staff of Quintessential Careers.
July 28, 2007
The federal minimum wage went up for the first time in more than a decade last week.
While many states have taken charge of this issue and raised the minimum wages for
their specific state, the U.S. Congress finally got its act together to pass a bill
that raises the minimum wage foe the next three years.
As of last Tuesday, the minimum wage is now $5.85 an hour, going to $6.85 in July 2008, and up to $7.25
in July 2009.
About half of the 50 states already have a minimum wage higher -- in some cases, much
higher -- than the federal wage. The state of Washington leads the way with a
minimum wage of $7.93.
Sadly, the minimum wage is no where near the amount it needs to be for the millions of
Americans who only work jobs that pay the minimum wage -- which is well below what
experts consider to be a livable wage, a wage that puts people safely out of poverty.
While that wage amount varies by community (because housing costs and other living expenses
are calculated), in most cases that wage is $10 an hour or higher.
Sometimes you simply have to move to get the better job.
Here are four questions to ask before you decide to relocate.
In a recent MarketWatch column, Marshall Loeb provided readers with these
four questions to ask yourself when considering relocation:
Will you face a significant cost-of-living increase? For example, if you
live in Florida and are considering relocating to California, you'll face a
very steep change in your cost of living expenses.
How will moving affect your quality of life? For example, by relocating
you'll move closer to your -- or your significant other's -- family.
How will the move impact your family? For example, will there be
opportunities for your significant other to find a new job in your
new location?
Do you like your new job? For example, are you considering this new
job in a new location just to escape problems with your current job -- or
are you considering it because it truly is a good career opportunity?
Changing jobs or careers is always a bit stressful, but when you add
relocating into the mix, it becomes a major life decision.
For (free) professional guidance on a number of these issue, visit this section of
Quintessential Careers: Job-Seeker
Relocation Resources.
July 19, 2007
The number of applicants filing for unemployment benefits in the U.S. last week dropped to their lowest level
in two months, further signs that the job market may be holding steady in a weaker economy.
The Labor Department reported that jobless claims fell to 301,000 last week, a decline of 8,000 from the previous week -- the second straight
weekly improvement and pushing total claims down to the lowest point since mid-May.
While the weekly figures were better, the total number of persons receiving jobless benefits for the week
ending July 7 was 2.57 million, up from 2.49 million a year ago, reflecting a broader "soft" employment arena.
Miss New Jersey saved her job today, but if it happens to you, will you be
able to save yours?
If you have not been following this story, Amy Polumbo, recently crowned Miss New Jersey,
announced an alleged blackmail attempt by someone hoping to make her resign by threatening to release
embarrassing photos of her -- photos that she said were meant to be "private."
"This was meant to be private," the 22-year-old told NBC's "Today" show on Thursday. "It was
supposed to be between my friends and I."
But guess what? These were not photos in a traditional photo album passed among friends,
nor were the photos taken by some sleazy photographer trying to make a quick buck. No,
these were photos taken right from her Facebook.com profile.... ones that anyone with a
Facebook account could view at any time -- and hardly private.
And Polumbo's story, while bizarrely public, is hardly unique. Employers are conducting
deeper background checks of applicants, which means they not only conduct Internet
searches on Google and other search engines, but they also go into Web properties such
as Facebook and MySpace.
All job-seekers need to learn this lesson quickly. If you post something on the Net -- whether
photos or ranting writings -- there's a good chance they will surface at the wrong time...
and possibly cost you that dream job you were seeking.
Are you incensed over this "invasion of your privacy," as some call it? You shouldn't be. Put
yourself in the eyes of the employer. Do you want to hire someone who says in an interview
that he is an extremely hard-worker only to learn from his own account -- or perhaps the accounts
of his social network friends -- that he is a slacker who loves to party?
The solution? Do not post anything on the Internet that you would not want your family,
religious leader, or prospective employer to see.
July 6, 2007
U.S. job growth was a bit stronger in June than expected, raising hopes that the
job-seekers searching for new jobs this summer will have good prospects.
The Department of Labor reported today that employers added 132,000 new jobs last month -- stronger than the
125,000 that economists were forecasting.
Leading the pack in hiring were organizations in the areas of education, health services, leisure and hospitality, and government .
Construction companies also expanded employment -- even as they adjusted to the fallout from the housing slump.
Those employment gains covered job cuts at factories, retailers, and certain professional and business services.
The government also published revised job-growth numbers for April and May -- showing stronger growth than originally
reported. Revised figures released showed that payrolls grew by a strong 190,000 in May -- much stronger than the 157,000
reported last month. In April, 122,000 positions were added, which was better than the 80,000 previously reported.
July 4, 2007
For those folks in the U.S., celebrate your job-search independence by preparing
for your next job move -- whether one you want to make or one you are forced to make.
In a recent "Dear Abby" column, a reader chastised a young job-seeker for listing the
person as a reference without asking -- a big job-seeking no-no. Whether being honest
or out of spite, this reader said he gave the job-seeker a bad reference... Certainly
it's a critical job-seeking lesson: choose the best people in your network to be
your references, ask them if they are willing to be so, and then keep in close touch
with them as you proceed in your job-search. And remember, a reference does not
have to be a former boss; you can use a co-worker, the boss of your boss, a mentor, or
someone else within the organization who knows the quality of your work and is willing
to speak on your behalf.
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.
