Indeed, there are some that think that a double dip recession could be on the way, and that the current jobs market is one of the reasons for it. This is because many companies are holding off on making new hires until the economy shows marked improvement, which may not happen until the second half of 2010. This sets off something of a vicious cycle. Consumers can’t spend more, and foreclosures can’t slow the pace (two things that some consider vital for economic growth and recovery), until jobs are available, providing income for people. But if people won’t be hired until the economic recovery is well under way…Well, you see the paradox that could be brewing.

In any event, even though this week’s job numbers were an unpleasant surprise, the good news is that things aren’t as bad as they have been, and that a certain degree of improvement is, in fact, being made.

Image source: Daylife

Post from: EveryJoe

Jobless Claims Rise, Stunt Economic Growth

Of course, this positive data does not indicate that a significant number of jobs are being added to the economy — just that the economy is not hemorrhaging them at near the rate we have been seeing throughout the recession. But the news is still encouraging, as it indicates a certain measure of stability in the jobs market, and in the economy. With fewer jobs being lost, there is hope that consumer confidence will return, and with it the important economic driver of consumer spending.

Initially, the stock market rallied heavily on the news. However, other considerations are now taking precedence, and the stock market has pared its gains rather dramatically as mid-day approaches.

Image source: Daylife

Post from: EveryJoe

U.S. Unemployment Rate Drops

Gathering 130 people together — business people, union leaders, and economists — at the White House is one way he hopes to get input on what can be done to increase the effectiveness of the jobs efforts in the stimulus package passed earlier this year. While there isn’t a whole lot that can be done immediately, there are hopes that measures and policies can be adopted to help move this economy in a direction that leads away from the dreaded “jobless recovery” and helps the employment picture for 2010.

There is also hope that improvement to the business outlook can translate into more jobs and maybe even raises. With Bank of America ready to repay TARP, and with other companies becoming profitable, there are hopes that hiring could start soon. But we will have to see. It may be that companies become too used to the profits they enjoy after cutting the workforce.

Image source: ~MVI~ via Flickr

Post from: EveryJoe

Obama’s Jobs Summit; Jobless Claims Drop

Recently, an acquaintance of mine was laid off — along with dozens of others — from a local company. Imagine our surprise when the Classifieds showed job openings in that company two weeks later! The reason? In the interest of cost-cutting, the company laid off around 50 of higher-earners and then posted job openings for about 20 jobs with entry-level pay.

This sort of practice is relatively common. The magazine SmartMoney points out the following: “Companies cutting jobs are often hiring in some areas, even as they shrink in others.” Instead of writing off companies that have announced lay offs, it is a good idea to check into where the lay offs are taking place, and then see which divisions of the company might be hiring.

Because so many people overlook businesses that recently laid off workers, it might be that you have less competition for new job openings. Of course, the company may be on the verge of collapse and there may not be any job openings. But it doesn’t hurt to ask.

Image source: Daylife

Post from: EveryJoe

Job Hunt: Openings at Firms with Lay Offs

According to Paul Bernard, a veteran executive coach and career management adviser who runs his own firm, many job seekers make the mistake of relying too heavily on online job boards, particularly at the start of their search.

Bernard advises job seekers to begin to network immediately. Not only can networking expand your possibilities but it can also build and demonstrate skills, he said.

“Networking builds confidence and gets you into the hidden job market,” he explained, referring to unadvertised job openings.

You really need to have a network that you can rely on. Let people you know, from professional associates to relatives to high school buddies, understand that you are looking for a job. This way you will come to mind if someone you know hears anything. Additionally, you can attend networking events and get to know new people.

This even works online. You may scoff at social media’s usefulness, but the truth is that some social networking sites are great places to find jobs. LinkedIn is an especially helpful place for professionals to network. Twitter and Facebook can also provide you with job hunt connections.

Post from: EveryJoe

Job Hunt Tips: Don’t Forget to Network

Money Motherboard graphic

My thoughts were just wondering if the features and benefits of the World Wide Web and Internet provide a little bit more of an opportunity for cushion on the ups and downs of someone’s personal and professional finances. Is the ability for a business of any size to really market itself to any other business regardless of size a way to avoid your market dwindling away to nothing. As for individuals, you’ve got the opportunity to start your own business, or to simply network and market yourself for other potential jobs that may be available to you.

What are your thoughts? Is technology a cushion in tough economic times? Maybe you think technology (or too much of it) could be a part of the cause of all these problems. After all, we didn’t have all these gadgets, gizmos and applications back in the good ‘ol days. Is that what made them so good in the first place? Life was so much simpler then right?

Post from: EveryJoe

Recession in the Internet Age

Martin oversaw the developments of some major initiatives in Microsoft like Windows Live, so it’s kind of shock for him to leave without much warning.

Taylor was expected to be interviewed by reporters on Monday about the new Windows Live Messenger, but the interviews were canceled. Afterwards, Microsoft confirmed that Taylor departed the company but declined to give any details or reasons, only to say that the company appreciated Martin’s contributions.

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Three’s a Charm