I attended a networking-lunch-workshop-session today to learn what's happening 'on the front lines' and encourage job seekers. We are all just a hair's breadth away from unemployment at any time, whether it's due to illness, injury, a lost contract, a fragile employer, a national disaster, a scandal... nearly anything can obliterate whatever illusory sense of security one hopes to amass.
The lowest tracked unemployment figure for the U.S. is 4.3% (achieved during WWII); we reached 4.5% a few months ago... but as you well know, the sky has fallen, the bottom has fallen out, and -- if we include the wind chill factor -- unemployment is currently hovering as high as 9%. In downtown Detroit it's 12% and expected to reach 20% by year-end. (Which reminds me, Thank You, Mitch Albom, for your dynamite article that reminds us to show more empathy for others: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/the_bonus/01/07/detroit/index.html. Also, to Clint Eastwood, for filming the beautiful Gran Torino in metro Detroit -- your contribution to the economy is noticed.)
But back to the numbers. 9%. That is a HUGE number; one with untold tragedies behind it.
The times, they have already changed.
Alas, a number of folks are pounding the pavement searching for a job amidst the worst market since the 1930s.
By way of encouragement, I am sharing a resource I learned about today that helps candidates 'do better' in job interviews. Yes, sometimes 'information' is the greatest -- and only -- gift one can give. These come by way of "Denham Resources," but I located them at YouTube. If you intend to interview anywhere anytime soon, you might review a few of these to 'study and learn,' in hopes that you won't fall prey to a poor interview and become your own achilles heel.
Watch on, and whether you are gainfully employed or searching, be thankful for all you DO have, and count your blessings daily.
God speed,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1D9uu8pZwo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qR-IhZJOq3U
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IoK8FiNXBJc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDhbLdFJAF4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6ttwYpA50U
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