Archive for July, 2009

Maryland Jobs Lost, Unemployment Rises

Sunday, July 26th, 2009

According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Maryland’s unemployment rate rose once again during the month of June. The state’s jobless rate increased by 0.1 percent from May’s 7.2 percent to 7.3 percent. Although this is still below the national average of 9.5 percent, it is significantly higher than Maryland’s unemployment during the same month in 2008. In June of last year only 4.3 percent of people could not find jobs in Maryland.

“While Maryland’s unemployment rate remains considerably below the national average, all too many Marylanders are still being affected by this economic crisis,” said the Secretary of the state Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation Thomas E. Perez. “We will continue to assist in any way possible to help return to the workforce.”

During June, employers in the state did away with approximately 1,100 jobs. The largest declines reported during the month were done so by businesses that provide administrative and support services. This area of employment did away with a total of 3,000 jobs in June. Other sectors help to make up for the losses experienced in this sector. The largest job gains occurred in the retail industry, professional and business services and the leisure and hospitality sector.

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Older Workers Struggle to Find New Jobs

Friday, July 24th, 2009

Looking for a job at any age can be difficult, but for those older members of the workforce there are specific issues. The recent economic struggle has caused many of these workers to lose jobs that they have held for a long time. According to a recent press release, this area of the population has been hit particularly hard by the rising job losses.

A recent survey conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of job search engine Careerbuilder.com found that only 28 percent of workers age 55 and older who were laid off during the last 12 months have found new jobs. This is the lowest percentage of all age groups. For example, 71 percent of people between the ages of 25 and 34 that have lost their jobs have been able to find new ones.

Because of the problems of finding new jobs, the survey found that many of these older workers have expanded their job search efforts to include entry level positions and internships. On top of this, many are considering relocating for work and other options that would help them find work. Thankfully, the survey found that many employers are open to the idea.

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Free Pre-Employment Tests Provided to Youth Organizations

Thursday, July 2nd, 2009

Of all the pre-employment tests available on the market today, background checks are the most important for jobs that deal with children or other vulnerable members of society. By conducting such an investigation on a candidate before they are hired for such a position, employers and nonprofit organizations can drastically increase the safety of those who will come in contact with the worker. Knowing this, criminal background check provider IntegraScan has decided to supply many youth organizations with free screenings.

According to a recent press release, IntegraScan will soon begin supplying youth groups across the country with $500,000 in services each month. With many organizations trying to make ends meet while the economy is struggling, background checks are often being neglected. This means that many young people could be at risk. IntegraScan hopes to stop this by conducting these investigations free of charge.

Those who receive this assistance from IntegraScan will now be able to make sure that the employees and volunteers they hire have no criminal history. Since a large percent of those who commit crimes have a record, this will drastically reduce the amount of problems an organization could possibly have.

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Job Search Data Shows Willingness to Relocate

Thursday, July 2nd, 2009

When conducting a job search during a time of economic struggle, there are a lot of things to consider. In many cases, finding work in one particular area is not likely. At the same time, another city may have plenty of opportunities. Because of this, being willing to relocate for work increases a person’s chances of finding employment. Knowing this, more would-be workers are now willing to move for a jobs, according to a recent press release.

WorkTree.com, one of the largest paid membership job search websites, just announced the results of their job search trends report for the month of May. The website takes the data from such things as typical careers searched, desired salaries and level of education to determine what job seekers are hoping for. According to the report, May’s data showed an increase in the number of people willing to relocate for employment.

“We continue to see large numbers of highly qualified individuals actively seeking employment,” said WorkTree.com’s Board of Managers Chairman Allan Martin in the recently press release. “One particularly interesting statistic – the willingness of people to relocate for work – is on the rise. It is the first time in many months we have seen that the number of new members willing to relocate is actually greater than the number of people unwilling to relocate for a job.”

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