How much does the jobless rate affect your job search?

The Cincinnati Business Courier recently reported that the Ohio jobless (Why they don't just say unemployment?) rate fell in February. When I first started this blog back in 2002, I often wondered about the unemployment rate.

It's really a bit of an inaccurate number, when you consider that it's the number of people filing for unemployment each week. It doesn't count those who are still unemployed yet have either stopped meeting the reporting requirements or have had their unemployment benefits expire.

The rate describes a macroeconomic condition; i.e., a condition of unemployment as a whole. More importantly, I also found, at least for me, that I began using the unemployment rate as an excuse for not keeping up with my job search as intensely as I could have been.

So the jobless rate is falling or rising... whatever.


The statewide/national jobless rate shouldn't affect your own job search and career management. Stay focused on your own job search. Companies still have positions to be filled. Your industry (also known as "vertical" by some) may have high demand for labor. Don't use the rate as an excuse.

Am I off base here? Does any of this make sense? What do you think?

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7 easy ways to get fired

Inc.com produced a slide show listing 7 Easy Ways to Get Fired.

Be careful, folks.

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Check out my other blogs:
Daniel Johnson, Jr.
Journey Inside My Mind Blog
Journey Inside My Mind Podcast
QuotesBlog
Twitter.com/danieljohnsonjr

Related tags: getthatjob, get+that+job, job+hunt, job+search, career+advice, professional+development, daniel+johnson+jr

Read local business journals for market info potential leads

Do you read the local business journal the city where you live or want to work? Years ago I started doing that, just to see what companies are doing in the area and as a potential source for job leads, a way to get an understanding of the job market. I can't remember whether the Cincinnati Business Courier does it, but the Dayton Business Journal publishes these lists every week of fastest growing companies, top minority-owned businesses, etc. I liked looking at those lists because it gave the name of the top official as well as other relevant information for generating leads.

I'm currently have the RSS feed for the Cincinnati Business Courier's Breaking News in my Bloglines collection. I often don't know what to make of some of the information I read, though.

On one hand I hear that unemployment rates are up slightly, but then I read that the job market for IT professionals is pretty good. I even saw this morning that Cincinnati is ranked 18th on Forbes magazine recent Best Cities for Young Professionals list.

Does it seem confusing to you? It does to me, sometimes. Then I look at the details and see that the unemployment article is talking about Ohio metro areas overall. I guess that's what we need to do - look at the details a bit more closely.

Also, I think it's a good idea not to let negative information put a cloud over your job search efforts. Doing so can lead to making excuses. You'll be tempted, as I am, to think and say things like, "Oh, the job market's just down; that's why I'm not able to find work." Let's think and believe bigger than that.

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Ron Hittle inspired me with one sentence

"To touch the soul of another human being is to walk on holy ground." - Stephen R. Covey, via QuotesBlog

I met Ron Hittle about 3-1/2 years ago at a career workshop at Sinclair Community College in Dayton, Ohio. I remember that it was an encouraging and inspiring time for me, since I was really struggling for direction in my career. The encounter and events since then have showed me how powerful connecting with one person can positively affect another.

That year I also met a recruiter in the Dayton area, and we've exchanged e-mails and phone conversations over the past three years or so, having become part of each other's professional network.

She mentioned early on that I must have met Ron Hittle.

"How did you know that?" I asked.

"From then ending of your voicemail message," she replied. "I do that, too."

Imitation, it's been said, is the sincerest form of flattery. This recruiter and I at different times had adopted Ron's way of closing a message as our own.

It's a little bittersweet that I share all of this, because a few moments ago, she called me to say that Ron Hittle passed away this weekend. He'd retired some time ago and had been dealing with some health issues, but it still came suddenly. My thoughts and prayers go up to the family, as well as those who knew Ron well. He will surely be missed.

As I mentioned, I didn't know Ron that well, but he left a lasting impression on me just from one statement from his voicemail message, because it points to my own ability to do something about my life versus letting something happen.

If you've received an email from me or have heard me sign off on my mostly music podcast, you probably already know what I'm about to say.

Most people I know usually end a conversation by saying, "Have a great day!"

Ron Hittle would say, "Make it a great day!"

Thanks, Ron. I think I will.

Related tags: getthatjob get+that+job job+hunt job+search career+advice networking professional+development daniel+johnson+jr ron+hittle sinclair+community+college


Find information on Diversity recruiting at DiversityJobs.com.

Ohio SCOTI System and Indeed Salary Search

One of the requirements when you file an unemployment claim in Ohio is that you sign up for their Sharing Career Opportunities & Training Information (SCOTI) system. Essentially, you get put into the system with your basic background, and, as participating companies search for individuals, you get contacted by SCOTI to call in to see if there is a suitable match. Receiving unemployment benefits is contingent upon your participation; i.e., if you don't call, you may not get your unemployment compensation.

I recevied a letter over the weekend from the SCOTI system, and I just finished talking with the representative. The company is looking for an Application Developer with 3-5 years of experience with COBOL, CICS, JCL, and SQL. I don't have that specific type of experience, and so it was determined that I'm not a suitable match.

One thing that does bother me about that position is the annual salary that the job was offering: $18,335. That sounded really low, and I mentioned that during the phone conversation, but the rep said that's what it was.

After I hung up, I used the Indeed Salary Search to check whether I was right, and here are the results:

application developer COBOL CICS JCL SQL in Cincinnati, OH $79,000

View Larger Salary Graph

If the rate was really an hourly rate of $18.335/hour ($38,136/year), it would be a lot more reasonable, but still less than the average.

Hopefully the next opportunity will be a more suitable match. What are your thoughts?

P.S. Let me remind you that you can use this handy domain name to get here: http://getthatjobonline.com

Related tags:

getthatjob get+that+job job+hunt job+search COBOL CICS JCL SQL SCOTI Ohio unemployment indeed+salary+search dan+johnson

Unemployment rate declines in January

This appears to be good news on a macroeconomic scale, but I feel we should take with a grain of salt any numbers the Labor Department puts out. I don't think the unemployment numbers count those who have stopped looking for a job or who otherwise don't qualify for unemployment benefits.

I may be wrong. If so, please tell me.

Unemployment rate declines in January

Jobs, Other Assistance Available for Workers Dislocated by Florida Storms

8/24/2004 12:07:00 PM

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To: National Desk

Contact: Lorette Post of the U.S. Department of Labor, 202-693-3984

WASHINGTON, Aug. 24 /U.S. Newswire/ -- U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao has announced a National Emergency Grant of up to $50 million, with an initial release of $16.5 million, to assist workers in Florida affected by Tropical Storm Bonnie and Hurricane Charley.

"President Bush and I want workers affected by this disaster to know that help is available now," said Secretary of Labor Chao. "Federal and state agencies are working around the clock to make sure that dislocated workers have access to temporary jobs, supportive services such as transportation and child care expenses and disaster unemployment insurance as quickly and easily as possible."

The National Emergency Grant will provide temporary employment as well as supportive services to eligible workers. Information on employment assistance is available by calling toll free 1-800- 342-3450.

In addition to assistance provided through this grant, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has made $2 million available immediately to eligible dislocated workers through the Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) program, administered by the Department of Labor.

The major objective of DUA is to provide assistance to individuals whose employment or self-employment has been lost or interrupted as a direct result of a major disaster and who are not eligible for regular state unemployment compensation. Individuals who meet these criteria can file claims online at http://www.floridajobs.org or by phone at 1-800-204-2418. Operating One-Stop Career Centers and mobile One-Stop units are also accepting claims applications.

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U.S. Labor Department (DOL) releases are accessible on the Internet at http://www.dol.gov . The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format upon request (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the COAST office. Please specify which news release when placing your request. Call 202-693-7765 or TTY 202-693-7755. DOL is committed to providing America's employers and employees with easy access to understandable information on how to comply with its laws and regulations. For more information, please visit http://www.dol.gov/compliance.

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A document outlining questions and answers about DUA for the State of Florida is below.

What is Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)?

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) provides assistance to individuals whose employment or self-employment has been lost or interrupted as a direct result of a major disaster and who are NOT eligible for regular state unemployment insurance. The U.S. Department of Labor oversees DUA and coordinates with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which provides the funds for payment of DUA and state administration (see note 1). DUA is administered by the state agency responsible for providing state unemployment insurance. In Florida, that is the Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation headquartered in Tallahassee.

What triggers the availability of DUA?

Based upon the request of the Governor, the President may declare that a major disaster exists and define the areas in the state that are eligible for financial assistance. President Bush declared a major disaster in certain parts of the state of Florida on Aug. 13.

Who is eligible for DUA?

Payment will be made to an unemployed worker who as a direct result of a major disaster:

1. No longer has a job;
2. Is unable to reach their place of work;
3. Was to commence work and does not have a job or is unable to reach the job;
4. Has become the breadwinner for the household because the head of household died (see note 2); or
5. Cannot work because of a disaster-incurred injury.

Payment will be made to an unemployed self-employed individual who as a direct result of a major disaster:

1. No longer can perform regular services in self-employment;
2. Is unable to reach the place where self-employment services are performed;
3. Was to commence regular service in self-employment and does not have a place or is unable to reach the place where services were to be performed; or
4. Cannot perform services because of a disaster-incurred injury.

NOTE: An individual who becomes a breadwinner due to the death of a self-employed individual is considered an unemployed worker for DUA purposes.

For each week of unemployment, an individual must meet the "able to work" requirement and the "available for work" requirement of the state unemployment insurance program.

How much DUA can someone receive and for how long?

The maximum weekly benefit amount in the state of Florida is $275. The disaster assistance period commences the week of Aug. 16, 2004 and ends on Feb. 12. An individual can receive up to 26 weeks of DUA benefits as long as the individual's unemployment or self-employment was caused by the major disaster and continues as a result of the disaster. Applications for DUA must be made within 30 days of Aug. 16, 2004. DUA claims are being taken by Internet, telephone and mail. While some of the One-Stop Centers in the interior of the state are closed due to damage, the Florida agency is using a mobile One-Stop stationed in Charlotte County to take UI and DUA claims. The first check should arrive approximately three weeks after the initial claim is made. To file a DUA claim in Florida or for questions call 1-800-204-2418.

NOTES:

1. DUA is considered an entitlement benefit subject to meeting the eligibility requirements detailed below.
2. The individual becoming the breadwinner does not need to have wage credits and could be eligible for DUA even if the deceased individual would have had regular unemployment insurance eligibility. The breadwinner is entitled to the higher of the DUA amount based on either the deceased head of household's wages or their own DUA amount calculated under the provisions of the DUA regulations.

http://www.usnewswire.com/

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/© 2004 U.S. Newswire 202-347-2770/

U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao Discusses Job Growth, Aid for Workers at Louisiana Economic Forum

To: National Desk

Contact: Dirk Fillpot of the U.S. Department of Labor, 202-693-4676

HAMMOND, La., Aug. 3 /U.S. Newswire/ -- U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao told the Louisiana Economic Forum that President Bush's leadership and sound economic policies have led to strong job growth in Louisiana and across America, and that the Administration's commitment to reforming training and employment programs will help workers find and prepare for new job opportunities in the growing economy.

"Nationally, this is the 10th straight month of job growth," Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao said in the Forum's keynote address at Southeastern Louisiana University. "More than 1.5 million new jobs have been created since last August. The national unemployment rate is now 5.6 percent, which is lower than the average unemployment rate of the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s."

The steady and consistent growth in the national economy is evident in Louisiana, Secretary Chao noted. Louisiana's unemployment rate has dropped a full percentage point since June of last year. Louisiana added 5,900 jobs in June, across a broad range of sectors. Secretary Chao also pointed out that while the economy continues to improve, the Administration is committed to helping workers who are still looking for good, high-paying jobs.

"These improvements are good news for Louisiana and for the country. But President Bush and this Administration recognize that there are folks in Louisiana who still need help. The Department of Labor has tremendous resources available to help workers who are looking for jobs, transitioning between jobs or upgrading their skills," Chao said.

Some of the services available to job seekers include job training and counseling. Workers can also receive help paying for transportation, child-care expenses and health insurance premiums while looking for work. Louisiana alone receives $132.8 million annually from the U.S. Department of Labor for training and employment services.

Chao also encouraged workers in need of assistance to visit one of 19 Comprehensive One-Stop Career Centers in Louisiana. Workers can find the nearest center at http://www.servicelocator.org.

via U.S. Newswire

Some encouraging comments from a reader

Thanks, Jen!

Jen gave us some encouraging comments recently:

I just wanted to commend the creators on a wonderful job with this blog. I graduated from a prestigious university in 2003, spent 6 months job searching before I finally found something that I was content with. Unfortunately that was temporary, and then I ended up with another temp job, and the owner turned out to be a complete psycho (i filed harassment against him, and he hasn't paid me for the last month that I worked -- and it's been 2 months now). Anyways, to the person who just completed their 500th resume... I feel your pain. Unemployment is awful -- especially when you're not eligible for unemployment benefits and you can't pay your rent. *sigh* Alright I'm ending it here... feel free to visit my blog-- there's been a lot of job-search related frustrations lately. :) GoodLuck!

Ohio Labor Market Information Home Page

"Your source for reports and data about employment levels, unemployment rates, wages and earnings, employment projections, jobs, training resources and careers."

Things 'They' Don't Tell You About Unemployment

Carla from Across the Pond shares her and her husband's experiences with being unemployed in the UK. She also points to OddTodd's "Laid Off: Help Wanted" cartoon.

I posted some comments to her post and recommended that she have her husband check out Dick Bolles' Job Hunter's Bible. It's the online companion to his book What Color Is Your Parachute? 2007: A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers (What Color Is Your Parachute), which is republished every year. There is a wealth of advice on how to conduct an effective job search, including the Fairy Godmother Reports: a comparison of what you hope to find and what you actually get; how effective it all is; and some words to remember.

For example, there's the Fairy Godmother Report on Job-Listing Sites.

Yet More Unemployment Claims Weirdness

Okay, here's what you do. Head over to the original post and read it. Then start to wade through the comments. But be careful, since some folks have inadvertently posted their comments more than once.

Personally, I haven't taken the time to try to understand what the current unemployment statistics mean for job seekers.

eclecticism > Of blogging and unemployment

Michael is now unemployed, having lost his job at Microsoft for something he posted on his blog. His experience and the related comments of others to his post more than adequately illustrate the need to be careful about what and where you post to your personal weblog.

It's hard not to be enthusiastic and want to share with others what you're working on, yet I see the need for restraint, especially when it comes to information that may put your employer at a competitive disadvantage.

Good luck, Michael, on your search for a new job. We're here for you, if you need help.

Jobs Are Coming

So saith a story published by Christian Science Monitor via ABC News. The article starts off:

It's small comfort to people who need a job now, but experts say there's a dramatic labor shortage looming in the United States. read more...

Something to think about as you file your next unemployment claim.

So, where are all the jobs?

This is the question posed by U.S. News & World Report as well as by many job seekers. In a somewhat technical discussion, the editorial examines why unemployment remains where it is, and indicates that there is a "glimmer of hope for the jobless:"

And here, at last, there is a glimmer of hope for the jobless. GDP growth may be accelerating and may move above 5 percent for the next two quarters. If it does, there will surely be a whole lot more jobs, especially in the labor-intensive service sector.

What's to be done? Not much, for now. No fiscal stimulus is possible, and the administration has already overdone its tax cuts. The only source of macroeconomic support will come from the Federal Reserve Board. It should keep short-term interest rates low and make sure rates for 10 years and longer don't spike any more.

This, then, is the opinion of Mortimer B. Zuckerman.

Unemployment Insurance Weekly Claims Will Be Released 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 18

The information in this press release does not appear to merit anything special. I think it's just to clarify that the release of information will not be delayed by the hurricane warning.

Free Work Costs Man Unemployment Benefits

A man in Buffalo, New York paid a radio station for some air time so that he could announce his talents to the general public as the host of a Saturday sports show. While his intentions were to help improve his chances for staying off unemployment in the future, the Labor Department has determined that his efforts qualify as work and have disqualified him from receiving unemployment benefits.

But it goes even further. He's being ordered to pay back $605 he's already collected. The man, John Bothe, lost his first appeal but will have his second appeal hearing on September 8th.

Peculiar.

And Then There's This

"Today's drop in the unemployment rate is positive and surpasses market expectations. The drop in the labor force is due primarily to seasonal factors.

"We are encouraged by the steadily declining four-week moving average of new unemployment insurance claims, which also shows that job losses are slowing down significantly.

"We can also see where the new jobs are being created, such as temporary help services, which tends to be a leading indicator that signals stronger, more widespread job growth in the future. Other areas with job growth include leisure and hospitality, financial activities and, for the fifth straight month, construction."

-- Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao on July unemployment numbers released today, August 1, 2003

via U.S. Newswire

Jobless Rate Jumps to 6.4 Percent

"The nation’s unemployment rate shot up to 6.4 percent in June, the highest level in more than nine years, in an economic slump that has added nearly a million people to jobless rolls in the past three months."

Hi there. I'm one of them. I'm looking for a job as a bartender, but I'm willing to let this blog serve as a sounding board. So, bar's open? What'll you have? And, how are things going with you?

West Virginia Unemployment Drops

So reports WTOV9, the NBC affiliate.