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| On the Job Hunt... |
March 10, 2004 |
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The American Economy Clocks In
Last week`s announcement that the economy created 308,000 jobs was good news in itself. But this week`s announcement by the Department of Labor on jobless claims is confirming evidence that the American economy is working for us again.
Economic Indicators Are Promising to Americans` Pocketbooks
Initial jobless claims in the week ending April 3 declined by a larger-than-expected 14,000 to a seasonally adjusted level of 328,000-the lowest level in 3 years.
The 4-week average also dropped by 3,250 to 366,750-the lowest level since November 25, 2000.
The U.S. economy created 308,000 jobs in March-the largest one-month gain since January 2000.
March marked the 7th straight month of job creation (Source: White House).
Over 759,000 jobs have been created in this economy since September 2003 (Source: White House).
The household survey shows an increase in employment of 978,000 since August 2003. This number is even more telling because it includes the self-employed and business startups-not just payrolls (Source: White House).
Over the past year, the unemployment rate has fallen in 45 of the 50 states (Source: White House).
Unemployment, at 5.7 percent, is lower than the average of the 70s, 80s and 90s (Source: White House).
Homeownership is at an all-time high-nearly 7 in 10 American families own their homes (68.6 percent), (Source: Census Bureau).
The manufacturing sector has grown for the 10th straight month.
By Stephanie Gamiz
Stephanie is a freshman at TVI and is serving an internship in Congresswoman Heather Wilson’s Albuquerque office for the spring semester. Stephanie hopes to earn her degree in neuroscience specific to forensics.
Rep. Wilson`s office sent Stephanie on a job hunt. Here are the resources she found.
Job-hunting can be a stressful and intimidating task.
Fortunately, Congresswoman Heather Wilson’s office, namely me, has explored some different employment sites and has some helpful tips and links to make job hunting a little bit easier for you.
As a part of this research project, I posted my resume on several of the websites below. I`ve already had two phone calls, and about a dozen e-mails. So if you`re looking for work, don`t give up hope. There`s a job out there for you!
WHERE TO LOOK:
Let`s start with the obvious. Always keep an eye out for help wanted signs.
 There is a high turnover rate for restaurants and retail stores. Try calling or going store to store and asking for an application.
The newspaper is a great place to look for employment. Check the Albuquerque Journal or Albuquerque Tribune classifieds regularly because new jobs are continuously turning up.
Internet job sites are a quick and easy way to post a resume and find out what jobs are available in your area. Some sites allow you to apply for jobs online.
 FREE SITES:
The following websites are free job searches. You can post resumes, apply for jobs online, and enable employers who read your resume to contact you through e-mail.
The New Mexico Department of Labor has many on-line employment services including job searches and links to other business and employment sites.
Monster.com allows users to search for jobs, post resumes, and apply for jobs online.
The Federal Job Search allows users to search for jobs by location and category.
MSN’s Careers center allows users to quickly search for jobs by location.
Career Builder has quick and easy access to job searches and allows users to post resumes.
New Mexico’s Job Bank allows users to post resumes and perform job searches.
New Mexico’s High Tech Job Forum allows users to post resumes and perform job searches.
WRITING A RESUME:
The following websites contain great resume writing tips and templates.
Microsoft’s Office Online provides free resume templates for job seekers.
The Employment Spot includes a resume tutor and links to other resume building sites.
 MSN’s Career Advice has great tips and advice on resume writing.
THE INTERVIEW:
The first impression is very important! Always dress professionally. NEVER lie on an application, resume, or at the interview. Try to keep things simple.
MSN’s Career Advice has great tips on ensuring a successful interview.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
The Department of Labor has answers to questions frequently asked by job seekers.
RESOURCES FOR MILITARY VETERANS
Veterans` Preference: Since the time of the Civil War, veterans of the Armed Forces have been given some degree of preference in appointments to Federal jobs. This link will give you more information about veteran preferences for federal positions.
Center for Veterans Enterprise -- 1-866-254-0238
The Center for Veterans Enterprise promotes business ownership and expansion for veterans. They provide resource assistance for veterans and service-disabled veterans who are considering starting or expanding a business. The staff works will all federal agencies,large contractors and not-for-profit assistance organizations. |
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