Job Search News

Jobs in Atlanta have been harder to come for some time now, but data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows the strain on the area may be lessening in the area. March marked the first month that unemployment in the metro decreased in 20 months. During the month the city’s jobless figures decline only slightly, going from February’s 9.2 percent to 9.1 percent. Now, according to the Bureau’s most recent statistics, April continued to deliver signs of possible improvement in the area.

In April the metro area’s jobless rate remained the same. Although this may not be as positive of a sign as decline in unemployment, the percentage staying flat actually says that the Atlanta job market could be beginning to improve.

According to many experts, when the unemployment rate begins to level out this means that the massive large-scale layoffs could be over in the area. This doesn’t mean that looking for employment in Atlanta will be as easy as it was before the beginning of the recession. Given the size and scale of the economic troubles that have hit both the area and the rest of the country, it will still take a while for the job market to completely recover.

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The Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) has reported that the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 8.1 percent in December, the highest rate in almost 26 years. The jobless rate was up 3.6 percentage points from 4.5 percent at this same time last year. The December unemployment rate was up seven-tenths of one percentage point from a revised 7.4 percent in November. Jobs in Atlanta decreased 3.3 percent from one year ago.

The last time Georgia posted a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate at this level was in March of 1983 when the rate was also 8.1 percent. The state rate remained above the national rate of 7.2 percent for the 11th straight month. At present, 393,168 unemployed Georgians are looking for work. Of that number, 156,719, or 40 percent, are drawing unemployment insurance benefits.

Over the last year, the number of payroll jobs decreased 121,800 or 2.9 percent. Jobs were lost in manufacturing, construction, and trade, along with professional and business services, including temporary employment agencies. Jobs were added in health care, education, and with the federal government.

The Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) has reported that the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 7.5 percent in November, the highest rate in more than 25 years. The jobless rate was up 3.0 percentage points from 4.5 percent at this same time last year. The November unemployment rate was up six-tenths of one percentage point from a revised 6.9 percent in October.

Metro Atlanta job losses were recorded at 67,800 for the month.

“Job losses are accelerating throughout most of the state’s economic sectors, with the exception of healthcare, education, and the federal government,” State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond said. “Although it may be difficult to find a job in this environment, it is not impossible.”

The last time Georgia posted a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate at this level was in July of 1983 when the rate was also 7.5 percent. The state rate remained above the national rate of 6.7 percent for the 10th straight month. At present, 365,244 unemployed Georgians are looking for work.

Over the last year, the number of payroll jobs decreased 94,400 or 2.3 percent. Manufacturing, construction, and trade, along with administrative and support services, including temporary employment agencies, were especially hard hit.

Trying to find a job in a struggling economy is more difficult and time consuming. Using large-scale career search websites such as Monster.com and CareerBuilder simply isn’t enough. The websites often cost more, which means that they are outside the budget of smaller employers. Since many businesses also prefer using locally based job search web pages, those looking for jobs in Atlanta will be happy to know about a new site; Atlantajobs.com.

This new online job resource is devoted solely to helping people find jobs in Atlanta. It offers job seekers the ability to look for employment opportunities with a variety of criteria. Users can sign up to receive e-mails about jobs in the Atlanta area that fit their field of expertise. Atlantajobs.com also offers other resources to aid would-be workers in finding their next place of employment.

Those looking for jobs in the Atlanta area also benefit from the fact that hundreds of employment opportunities are pulled together and offered in one location.

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