Job Seekers
Employers
Exec. Search
Recruiters
Work Ministry Resources
Job Seekers Newsletter
April 2009
Welcome Everyone!
As we enter the new year, the job market news of layoffs continues, but there are some positive indications as well. We wish you the best of success for your job search! Our site and resources, plus the leadership of the job support groups, are here to help.
Comments About the U.S. Job Market
Unemployment Report
Nonfarm payroll employment fell in March (-663,000) and the unemployment rate rose from 8.1% to 8.5%, the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor reported on April 3rd. Payroll employment has declined by 5.1 million in the last year+ and by 3.3 million in the past five months. Job losses were large and widespread across nearly all major industry sectors except health care.
Manpower Survey for second Quarter 2009
The quarterly study by Manpower is an excellent profile of the US economy, composed of a mix of retail, manufacturing and service businesses. In the latest survey of 31,000+ employers on hiring plans:
- Companies planning to add to staff: 15%
- Companies planning to reduce staff: 14%
- Companies not expecting changes: 67%
So 15% of companies are adding staff and 50-60%+ may be replacing staff but not adding staff.
Some helpful measures for 2009
As we get into the second quarter of the 2009, there are some positive signs of an improving economy.
First, according to a recent survey by Blue Chip Economic Indicators of private sector economists, 86% polled feel the U.S. recession will end in the second half of 2009. With such steep declines in the fourth quarter of 2008 and first quarter of 2009, more economists are becoming convinced the bottom is hit. The turnaround in the U.S. economy will be driven in large part by increased consumer spending, say most economists, which should be bolstered by the government’s stimulus package.
Secondly, according to a recent summary by economist Larry Kudlow:
- Mortgage applications are soaring, driven by re-finance and home purchasing
- Real income per household has been rising for the past five months
- Retail sales are improving due to consumer spending
- The trade deficit has steadily declined as US companies improve international sales
- Energy prices (especially gas) continue at low levels, enabling families to spend funds for other needs
- Business inventories have plunged, a key indicator that companies are about to engage in major spending to replenish raw materials, parts, etc., and ramp up production
The most recent bank industry news suggests that the banks are moving into recovery from the multiple issues of the past two years. Per Brian Wesbury, an economist with First Trust Portfolios, the financial support of the banking industry the past year+ is poised to fuel the recovery of the economy. A final comment from Kudlow, "There is a 50% chance that the US economy will be in growth mode by the end of this quarter."
The Gas Pedal of the US Economy
We consumers are in control of this economy. Our spending decisions create jobs and growth over time. Through our spending, we also produce the revenues that employers use to pay their corporate taxes plus their buying of all kinds of things that are essential to company performance, which also creates jobs. It all starts with us, the consumer. Let's work on our confidence!
Contrary to what some commentators are saying, the business cycle has not been repealed. The private sector of the economy will recover later this year, like it always does. Each recovery is different. We need to maintain our faith in the US economy, its capacity for recovery and job creation. Let's get through the next few months and get back to growth later in 2009!
Alliance Partners
We support the following resources in service to job seekers:
- HACEUSA, a professional Hispanic Association
- Career Concepts USA: Job Fair resource
- Catalyst Career Group: Job Fair resource
Networking Tip Of The Month
The Broadcast Sheet/Handbill
As a job seeker, sharing key information about your search issues is essential to getting the help you need. When you attend a networking session or meet someone to talk to about your search, handing he/she a one page summary of the following really helps to get them engaged:
- Your contact information
- A summary of your background and education (career roles, jobs you have had)
- What you are looking for (job roles)
- A list of target companies and/or key industries
- How he/ she can help you
That's it! Sometimes things are simple!
Networking Group of the Month
We are looking for recommendations. Send an e-mail to work@workministry.com and tell us about your group.
Important Information
Leaders: please review your Job Support Group web page and see if all information is accurate and up-to-date. Please send any corrections to work@workministry.com.
Remember networkers: once you have landed your job, complete our landings survey.
Quote of the Month
"... It is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favors." --George Washington
A Prayer While You Are In Transition
The will of God for your life is simply that you submit yourself to Him each day and say, "Father, Your will for today is mine. Your pleasure for today is mine. Your work for today is mine. I trust You to be God. You lead me today and I will follow."
- Kay Arthur
We hope you have enjoyed this month's Newsletter!
The Work Ministry Team
Contact us at work@workministry.com
home | about us | in the news | job support groups | career sites | resources & links | more links
spirituality | vision & mission statement | FAQ’s | advertise | contact us | privacy
©2012 Work Ministry. All Rights Reserved
