More bad employment news, as claims for weekly first-time unemployment benefits
in the U.S. rose to their highest levels since late March.
Initial jobless claims for the week that ended July 19 rose by 34,000 to hit 406,000
people on unemployment benefits.
The four-week running average of jobless claims -- which smoothes out some of
the volatility experienced in the weekly numbers -- rose to 382,500, according to
the Labor Department.
Most experts agree -- and it's something most of us already know -- that any time
the jobless claims numbers are above 350,000 it's a sign of a very weak job
market... and any time the number hits 400,000 or higher, it's a sign of an economy
in recession.
Furthermore, this rise in unemployment benefits gives further support that we will
see a seventh consecutive month of serious job declines when the July report is
released in early August. Experts are predicting that there will be a net loss of
about 70,000 jobs in the U.S. in July, pushing the unemployment rate to 5.6 percent.
July 21, 2008
More and more job-seekers are experiencing the Job Market Blues. Here are five
ways to deal with the weak job market.
Job Market Blues:A malady affecting millions of Americans
during a weak job market caused by a struggling economy. Symptoms include high levels of anxiety, fear, and depression
related to keeping one's current job or finding a new job, tied to the ability to pay one's bills and maintain a place to live and food to eat.
When when so much bad economic news abounds and adds to the stress you already feel
in trying to find a new job, how do you keep your focus and stay upbeat? Use these
five strategies:
1. Keep a positive focus. 2. Surround yourself with support. 3. Don't believe everything you hear or read. 4. Have long-term focus, but short-term goals. 5. Remember that everything counts.
More signs of the depth of the weak U.S. employment market as the number of unemployed
for six months or more continues to increase in record numbers.
The Labor Department reported the number of American workers unemployed for at least
26 weeks has risen to 1.6 million, an increase of 37 percent in the past year -- with more than 18
percent of the unemployed searching for work for more than half a year,
In slightly good labor news, the number of workers filing new claims for unemployment benefits last week
posted its biggest drop in almost three years. Weekly numbers, however, are susceptible
to wild swings and seasonal conditions, so it's too early to really interpret what these
latest numbers mean.
July 3, 2008
For the sixth month in a row, employers in the U.S. continue to cut employees, jobs.
Losses this year near the half-million mark.
The Labor Department reported today that 62,000 jobs were lost in June -- equaling the job loss
figure for May, which was revised higher from the original estimate of 49,000.
June's job losses, along with the revised figures, results in a startling 438,000 jobs lost in
the economy so far this year. The unemployment rate held steady at 5.5 percent.
Job losses were found in manufacturing, which lost 33,000 jobs; construction, which lost 43,000 jobs;
business and professional services, which cut 51,000 jobs; and retailing, which cut 7,500 jobs.
On the positive side, job gains were seen in several sectors, including: government employers,
which added 29,000 jobs; education and health services, which also added 29,000 jobs; and
leisure and hospitality, which added 24,000 jobs.
In related employment news, the four-week moving average for initial unemployment claims neared the 400,000 benchmark
for an economy in a full recession, hitting 390,500 -- the highest level since 2005, shortly after Hurricane Katrina.
Quintessential Resume & Cover Letter Tips Blog,
a blog from another part of the QuintCareers Network, with new resume and cover letter tips daily. A must-see for any active job-seeker.
The Career Doctor Blog,
a blog from another part of the QuintCareers Network, where each day our own Career Doctor Randall Hansen answers one career, job, college, or workplace question.
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.
