Despite that fact that 600
jobs in Atlanta were created in October, the city's unemployment rate continued to rise, according to a recent press release put out by the
Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL). Last month 6.8 percent of the metro area's residents were without work, which is a 0.4 percent increase from September and 2.4 percent higher than the jobless rate of October 2007.
This increase was mirrored throughout the state, as Georgia's unemployment rate climbed to 7.0 percent. GDOL statistics show that this figure was up 0.6 percent from September and 2.5 percent from last year's 4.5 percent jobless rate. Currently, unemployment in the state is the highest it's been in the last 16 years.
"Georgia's economy continues to suffer from increasing job losses and rising unemployment," said Michael Thurmond, who is the State Labor Commissioner. "I commend out state's congressional delegation and President Bush for approving extended unemployment insurance benefits for the more than 90,000 Georgians who may be eligible under the new law. This is welcomed and much-needed financial assistance, as they search for new jobs."
The addition of approximately 600
Atlanta jobs last month couldn't help the situation much. Since last year, the metro area has lost somewhere around 44,800 positions. Throughout the state, approximately 61,300 jobs during the last 12 months. According to Thurmond, those claiming unemployment benefits have increased by around 75 percent since last year.
One of the largest contributors to state's problem is the real estate market, which has been bogged down with too many houses for sale and too fewer buyers. The high rate of foreclosures has made things even more difficult. This industry has caused trouble for many other areas of employment including construction and manufacturing.
Experts expect that the situation will get worse before it gets any better. Unemployment rates are likely to continue to rise into next year. The average jobless rate for next year will likely by somewhere around 7.5 percent and many believe that it will end up somewhere around 8 percent during 2010, according to the
Georgia State Economic Forecasting Center.
Labels: Jobs in Atlanta
While the economy continues to dwindle and more jobs are lost, there is some advice experts have to offer those on a
job search.
The United States Department of Labor
Bureau of Labor Statistics states the country lost 240,000 jobs during October, while the unemployment rate increased from 6.1 percent to 6.5 percent. This means the country has lost 1.2 million jobs so far this year. According to an article by the
Boston Herald, some experts are taking this time to offer
advice to job seekers.
First, it's helpful to use professional networking sites such as
LinkedIn. These sites can help you identify what kind of job you're looking for and what your skills are, as well as connect you with important resources, potential references and possible employers.
You also can offer to work on a temporary basis if you're not currently employed. This is a good way to gain experience, keep your current skills up-to-date and learn new skills. A move like this also can
help get you in the door. Another option is to work with a recruiting firm that offers free job placement services.
"We're going to have a stronger network," Bill Driscoll, New England district president at Robert Half International, said in the article. "We're going to know what companies are hiring and the skills that are in demand."
Job seekers can volunteer for nonprofit groups, which allows them to make valuable networking contacts that can help find a new job or career while performing a valuable service. Also, nonprofits are more likely to give people looking to switch careers useful experience in jobs where they currently lack necessary skills or credentials to be hired for paid positions.
One tried and true tactic is to network through professional associations, friends and colleagues. If you know your skills, you can seek out private career coaches or institutions offering career counseling.
"If you're lucky, you might hear of something before it gets posted somewhere," Maria Stein, director of Career Services at
Northeastern University in Boston, said in the article, adding job sites are a passive way of looking for work. "You post your resume and post your profile, and then you sit back and wait for someone to contact you. I wouldn't necessarily put all my eggs in that basket and assume that's the most effective way to find a job.
Job seekers should network as much as possible, which will increase the odds of your resume being read. It's also important to be flexible.
"It's a good time to be more flexible," Lynne Sarikas, director of the MBA Career Center at Northeastern University, said in the article. "In a tough economy, you may not be able to get your dream job at your dream company. But there are jobs, and so it's finding an opportunity that helps you develop skills and experience that will better-qualify you for that dream job down the road.
"The other caveat that I give to students is flawless execution," Sarikas added. "There's absolutely no tolerance in this economy for mistakes on your resume, mistakes on your cover letter and not following up after an interview."
Labels: job search
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Labels: Cheezhead Job
