The U.S. federal minimum wage got another boost, meaning millions of Americans
received a pay raise.
Effective, July 24, 2009, the federal minimum wage increased from $6.55 to $7.25 an hour.
While the boost is an improvement, for a full-time worker making minimum wage, the
increase only represents about a $26 weekly increases and a just under $1,400
increase in annual pay.
A little more than half of all states do not currently have a minimum wage -- and
employers in those states must follow federal guidelines. For workers in the 21
states that do have a minimum wage, they must be paid the higher of the hourly
wages. For example, workers in Washington state must get paid the state minimum
wage, which is $8.55 an hour -- the highest in the country.
While some complain that raising the minimum wage hurts businesses (who must pay
more in wages) and consumers (who often get passed the cost increase in higher
prices), the reality is that businesses are faced with increased operating costs
regularly -- and the most successful ones find ways to reduce costs or increase
efficiencies without passing along the cost to consumers -- or worse, cutting back
the hours of its workers.
Even with this latest increase in the minimum wage, the annual gross pay for a
full-time worker is just above $15,000; the take-home pay much less.
The livable wage rate for a single person is at least double the minimum wage -- and
for a single parent with children, even higher.
Some experts are predicting a jobless recovery, but even if that prediction becomes a reality,
here are key tips to fuel your successful job-search.
Even as the economy begins to show signs of recovery, many expect the unemployment rate,
currently at 9.4 percent, to keep rising above 10 percent before the overall labor market begins to recover.
More than 6 million jobs have been lost since this current recession began -- and it will take more than just
a slight recovery to bring those jobs back, many of which have been lost from companies seriously affected
by the weak global economy.
So, if you are out of work or simply wanting to change jobs or careers, how can you find employment in this
kind of labor market? First, you need to find the job openings. Second, you need to beat the competition.
Let’s start with the job openings. In order to increase your odds of landing a new job, you must
uncover as many job leads as possible -- even ones that may seem not quite right at first glance.
The best methods for finding job leads is simply by asking -- asking your family, friends, neighbors,
former co-workers and bosses… asking anyone with whom you have a personal relationship.
Post your status (if you are unemployed) on your Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, or other social
networking sites. (If you have your own Website, which you should, post your status there as well.)
Next, consider identifying and requesting informational interviews with prospective employers --
doing so is a way to gain a network contact within the organization, which you can then use to
help uncover job leads.
Finally, hit the job boards looking for possible leads. Realize going into this step that some of these job
leads are old, filled, or simply being used to collect resumes. Start with niche sites -- those for your
profession/industry and geographic location. If you belong to a professional organization, check their site too.
Use a job-search engine to look for possible job leads that have been aggregated from lots of
different sources.
For local employers, apply for jobs in person. Dress well and ask if the manager is available to
meet with you after you have applied.
Finding job leads should consume the vast majority of your initial job-search. And if you truly put in
the hours each day, you’ll be quite happily surprised by the results.
Now your only task is beating all the other job-seekers fighting you for those same open positions.
You’ll want to devote serious time to polishing your resume and your interviewing skills -- including
both verbal and nonverbal responses and behaviors. And when you start obtaining interviews,
remember to thoroughly research each employer to showcase your knowledge and interest to
the hiring manager.
Finally, remember the importance of follow-up and thank-you letters.
If you are truly committed to your job-search, you will be successful. Good luck!
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.
and reassurance.
The Occupational Adventure
Blog, from Curt Rosengren, a Passion Catalyst. Curt's older blog is great for finding encouraging ideas
(and resources) for moving forward with your career... a career that lights your fire. His newer blog is the
Passion Catalyst -- about loving your work.
Blue Sky Resumes Blog, from career
expert Louise Fletcher, a general career and job-search blog that covers all aspects of the job-hunt.
WorkStrong -- a
candid, completely honest discussion of the job market -- offering information and advice
about what it takes to succeed in the 21st Century world of work. From career and recruitment guru Peter Weddle.
