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Job Seekers Newsletter
May 2009
Welcome Everyone!
As we enter the new year, the job market news of layoffs continues, but there are some positive indications as well. We wish you the best of success for your job search! Our site and resources, plus the leadership of the job support groups, are here to help.
Comments About the U.S. Job Market
Unemployment Report
Nonfarm payroll employment fell in April (-539,000) and the unemployment rate rose from 8.5% to 8.9%, the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor reported on May 8th. Over the past twelve months, unemployment has risen by 6 million people. Job losses were large and widespread across nearly all major industry sectors except health care. Government employment rose due to hiring of workers for the 2010 census.
More BLS Data
Report on Hires: The most recent data for hires in 2009:
- January: 4.4 million
- February: 4.3 million
Note: People are landing jobs!
Report on Job Openings: In February, latest data available, there were 3 million jobs open in the economy, down 35% from one year ago.
ADP Report on Job Market
ADP (major payroll processing company) prepares a monthly report on private sector employment based upon the client base of 400,000 companies and 24 million employees. The recent findings for April 2009 are:
- Job declines for all industries for 2008 were .6%, bottoming out in the first quarter of 2009 and trending upward
- Job declines in manufacturing were 1.8% for the same period, now trending upward
- Job declines in services were .4% for the same period, now trending upward
So the momentum of job declines has shifted and is now moving in the right direction.
Comments on Economy, 2009
How does job creation happen?
Sometimes, it is possible to reduce matters to simple key points to fully understand issues. Consider the following:
- Job creation is what the private sector of the US economy does, not government
- Over 80% of Americans work for small to large companies in the private sector, including the self-employed
- Job creation in those companies is driven by many considerations, but is always dependent upon one thing: dollars available after paying taxes... Options:
- If taxes go down, there are more $ for companies to invest and spend, add to staff, etc
- If taxes go up, there are fewer $ available for all the ways companies can spend money, including hiring more people
When it comes to the private sector and job creation, the US economy's record is outstanding over the past decades.
However, in a recent Gallup poll, people surveyed advocated government spending on projects (50%) over tax cuts (42%) as a way to stimulate the economy and job creation. Granted, we appear to be moving down the road of massive government spending programs. For more information on government spending versus tax cuts, click here and here.
If public perception changes, and we get back to what works, job creation will get back on track as well.
The Gas Pedal of the US Economy
We consumers are in control of this economy. Our spending decisions create jobs and growth over time. Through our spending, we also produce the revenues that employers use to pay their corporate taxes plus their buying of all kinds of things that are essential to company performance, which also creates jobs. It all starts with us, the consumer. Let's work on our confidence!
Contrary to what some commentators are saying, the business cycle has not been repealed. The private sector of the economy will recover later this year, like it always does. Each recovery is different. We need to maintain our faith in the US economy, its capacity for recovery and job creation. Let's get through the next few months and get back to growth later in 2009!
Alliance Partners
We support the following resources in service to job seekers:
- HACEUSA, a professional Hispanic Association
- Career Concepts USA: Job Fair resource
- Catalyst Career Group: Job Fair resource
Networking Tip Of The Month
A job seeker had an opportunity to conduct a phone screen interview for a position that seemed to be a great fit. She was technically qualified to do the work, but lacked hands-on experience in the industry and the company's actual business. If she did well on the phone screen, an interview would be scheduled. Many job seekers face the same issue. Here's an optional response to consider:
Interviewer: "In my review of your resume, I see that you have not had any experience in our industry. What are your thoughts?"
Candidate: "You're right- I do not have direct experience in your industry. I don't carry that burden. (pause for interviewer laugh)...
Instead, I bring a lot of experience from an industry that has been through a lot of change too. Give me an opportunity to quickly learn what I need to learn and apply what I do know to contribute to the company."
Recommendation: Do not accept the premise that hands-on experience in a specific industry is a deal-breaker. Challenge the idea by highlighting your industry strengths plus your experience.
Networking Group of the Month
We are looking for recommendations. Send an e-mail to work@workministry.com and tell us about your group.
Important Information
Leaders: please review your Job Support Group web page and see if all information is accurate and up-to-date. Please send any corrections to work@workministry.com.
Remember networkers: once you have landed your job, complete our landings survey.
Quote of the Month
"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."
Mark Twain
A Prayer While You Are In Transition
The will of God for your life is simply that you submit yourself to Him each day and say, "Father, Your will for today is mine. Your pleasure for today is mine. Your work for today is mine. I trust You to be God. You lead me today and I will follow."
- Kay Arthur
We hope you have enjoyed this month's Newsletter!
The Work Ministry Team
Contact us at work@workministry.com
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