February 23, 2016

Unemployment / Underemployment. “I HAVE BILLS TO PAY…NOW!”

​If you happen to fall into either of these categories, the monthly ‘Unemployment Rate,’ as calculated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, does not mean much. “Liars figure and figures lie.” How ancient IS that formula?
 
Let’s see if we can get past this, so-called, ‘Unemployment Rate’ of 5 to 6%. Do you really believe that figure? The remainder of that statistic might lead one to believe that 94% - 95% of working, Americans are, in fact, employed! Eh, no; not even close!

With the current presidential race well underway, every single candidate from both parties talks about unemployment and job creation, as they’ve been doing so since Kennedy, as I can remember. Does anything actually happen? Can the government create jobs? Sure, they are the largest, single employer in the land. Can they create more, good-paying jobs in a vibrant, private sector? Not even close (except for regulations and taxation)!
 
“Our tax system still siphons out of the private economy too large a share of personal and business purchasing power and reduces the incentive for risk, investment and effort – thereby aborting our recoveries and stifling our national growth rate.”
​– John F. Kennedy, Jan. 24, 1963
 
That said, there were certain times when the president would negotiate with the leaders in Congress and actually get legislation passed that dramatically improved the overall economy thus inspiring new business start-ups, company expansions, new technologies, more jobs, more competition, higher salaries…
 
Today, I do not have that feeling. So, rather than waiting on others, I am going be become proactive and find that career position, not some J.O.B. (Just Over Broke; Just Over Boredom). The U.S. Payroll to Population employment rate (P2P), as measured by Gallup, fell to 42.9% in December, from 43.7% in November. The current rate is the lowest Gallup has measured since March, 2011. Gallup's P2P metric estimates the percentage of the U.S. adult population aged 18 and older that is employed full-time by an employer for at least 30 hours per week.
 
Said another way, 57.1% of Americans need a job…a career position! Now, argue THAT Mr. / Ms. Washington Politician! 5.5% ‘unemployment?! More speeches and promises do not buy the groceries!
 
It begins with a focus on what that ‘career position’ is for you. Next comes a resume…a marketing masterpiece that fully supports your career position direction…a hiring proposal. Social Media (LinkedIn, et al) that mirrors the resume. Avoiding the “Apply Now” button and sliding into Alice in Wonderland’s deep hole seldom without a reply, but going directly to your future boss(es) with a well-written email (cover letter). Few people, in any, will do that!
 
Great resumes gain interviews. Great interviews gain job offers, but BOTH sides of the table interview exactly as they did 100 years ago – an interrogation that neither party enjoys, nor ends with enough valuable information. I have changed that with a proven way to separate yourself from those competitors that appear better in print! Different? Yes. Easier and more productive? ABSOLUTELY!!
 
Do not lose hope with your career search…please! If something isn’t working well, try something different! There is professional assistance out there that could expedite your success and whatever you may pay is probably less than two week’s salary, yet you land that position MONTHS earlier than you might on your own. A great return-on-investment – choose carefully!
 
How much golf can you play? How many times can you watch ‘The Price is Right?’
​Let’s get busy…that new career IS out there for you!
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