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Alison Doyle
Alison's Job Searching Blog

By Alison Doyle, About.com Guide to Job Searching

More Job Cuts

Thursday July 3, 2008
The unemployment rate was 5.5% in June and payroll employment was down by 62,000. Employment continued to fall in construction, manufacturing, and employment services, while health care and mining added jobs. This is the 6th month in a row that the economy has lost jobs and MarketWatch reports that corporate layoffs are up 21% over the same time period last year. Layoffs are reported at Citgroup, Starbucks, American Airlines, Anheuser-Busch, General Motors, and many other companies.

Overall, About.com's US Economy Guide Kimberly Amadeo notes that year-over-year employment declined .24%. Kimberly adds, "The last time year-over-year job growth trended down this severely was in 2001, which led to 29 months of job losses."

This means that, not only are you are more at risk for losing your job, but there is more competition for available jobs. It's important to have your resume ready and to spend some time checking out the job market, so you know what type of jobs are available for someone with your skills - just in case you have to find one.

If you have already lost your job, here's information on filing for unemployment. It's important to file as soon as possible, and you may be able to file your unemployment claim online. If you're out of benefits, an unemployment extension was passed this week. Check with your state Department of Labor for information on eligiblity and how to collect benefits.

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Comments

July 7, 2008 at 11:09 am
(1) Kay Stout says:

Having survived 2 downturns in the economy - I know how scary it can be. There are great resources available to help. Books by Joyce Lain Kennedy; Alison’s book “Internet Your Way to a New Job; websites like about.com; networking through LinkedIn, Ecademy, netshare.com; college alumni sites (and resources; professional organizations. The key is to get started … work hard..and stay focused. Each time my position was eliminated, the next position I found propelled my career forward. Scary - - yes!!!
Successful - - yes!!!

July 7, 2008 at 11:16 am
(2) Doris Appelbaum says:

When you have a toothache, you see a dentist. If you have a chest pain, you see a doctor. In these economic times, it is critical to have the BEST possible resume and cover letter. That’s why you should see a PROFESSIONAL Resume Writer and Career Consultant - someone who is experienced, well educated, and in tune with today’s economy.We do that in my office: http://www.appelbaumresumes.com. Among other things, we offer FREE online resume critiques.

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