Unemployment is up or down depending on your point of view
The number of initial unemployment claims edged up last week, but the number of ongoing claims fell for the first time since January. According to newly released Labor Department data, 608,000 initial unemployment claims were filed in the week ending June 13, up 3,000 from the 605,000 filed the previous week. Continuing claims for the week ending June 6 (the most recent data available) totaled 6,687,500, down 148,000 from the 6,835,500 claims filed the week before.
Statistics don’t really matter when you’re a statistic
Every week there’s something new to learn about unemployment statistics. Those big numbers are impressive, but it’s difficult (not to mention boring) to decide whether the unemployment situation is getting better or worse. When you’re out there looking for a job, it’s paychecks and not statistics that really matter. (You knew it was coming to this: The sooner you start getting paychecks again, the sooner you can apply online for extra cash and loans until payday.)
The internet is not a magical place where jobs come from
It’s tempting to think of the internet as a virtual shopping mall for jobs. People do find jobs using online resources, but the internet should be just one part of your job-search strategy. Be sure to use traditional job-hunting tools, too, such as networking, cold calling, career fairs, local newspaper want ads, and college placement offices.
If you want to find a job in the real world
Make lists of your strengths, weaknesses, and career interests
What are you good at and what do you like to do? What are your downfalls and why? Given your education and experience, if you could have any job what would it be? These lists don’t need to be long, but they do need to be honest. They’re not for prospective employers; they’re to help you get organized and focused.
Make a list of potential employers
Don’t just check online to see who’s hiring. Make a wish list. Think about the businesses in your area where you’d like to work. It doesn’t matter whether or not a company is advertising to hire. If it’s the kind of place you think you’d like to work, write it down. Then visit the businesses in person. (Read No Job in Sight?)
It may be hard, at first, to do this. But once you get out there, you’ll find that door-knocking is more encouraging and productive than online job-shopping. The sooner you hit the pavement, the sooner you’ll start making progress. (And yes, the sooner you find a job, the sooner you can apply online for the best payday loans in Los Angeles.)
Make a list of networking contacts
Make a list of people you know (you don’t have to know them well) who might be able to provide you with job leads. If you’re feeling shy about letting people know you’re out of work, take another look at those big numbers. By conservative government estimates, you are one of 7,295,500. So think hard about who you know. Then meet with one of your contacts every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
Write a dynamic cover letter
A Google search for “resume cover letters” will provide resources to help you write an effective letter. Key elements include:
- Address the letter to a named individual whenever possible
- Get the reader’s attention in the first paragraph
- Use action verbs
- Limit the length to one page
- Check your spelling and grammar
- Check your spelling and grammar again
- If spelling and grammar are not your strengths, have someone else proofread and edit
- Describe your key accomplishments, as opposed to job duties
- Be confident but not arrogant
- Request action (usually an interview)
Create an excellent resume
A Google search for “resume” will provide lots of resume samples and resume-writing advice. But marketing is what makes an excellent resume. Think of yourself a product and employers as potential buyers. Why should an employer choose Brand U over Brand X? Basic guidelines include:
- Identify yourself clearly
- Provide contact information
- Identify your career skills, interests, and strengths;
- Describe your key accomplishments, as opposed to job duties
- Describe educational successes
- Use action verbs
- Limit the length to one page
