The latest job numbers from the U.S Labor Department show encouraging signs that the job
market may slowly be improving.
The July report, released today, shows that while employers continued to cut more jobs -- they did so at a
slower pace, surprising most analysts. While 247,000 jobs were cut in July -- the lowest number cut since
August last year -- the number was much smaller than the 320,000-350,000 jobs that experts were predicting.
Furthermore, in another bit of positive news, the unemployment rate, which some have been predicting
will reach the double digits before all is said and done, fell to 9.4 percent -- from 9.5 percent in June -- the
first decline in 15 months, since April 2008.
Breaking it down by sector, jobs were lost in manufacturing, construction, retail, and business and professional
services. Job gains continued in education, healthcare, and government employers -- as well as in hospitality.
Job-seekers should still expect numerous bumps in the road -- the economic recovery may see a few ups
and downs before we see steady improvement. Certain job sectors will also take much longer to come back.
Finally, there will be more competition for jobs, as more job-seekers enter the market seeking better employment.
Your goal should be to sharpen your goals, focus, and job-search materials -- and be ready when that perfect
opportunity presents itself (most likely though your hard work of traditional and online networking).
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