A Break in the Job Market Storm?

Posted on | March 5, 2009 | No Comments

Today the Labor Department reported that unemployment claims dropped steeply to 639,000 from last week’s high of 670,000 claims.  Of course, analysts don’t believe this downward trend will continue.  Most expect tomorrow’s monthly Jobs Report to bring more dismal news.  I can’t say I expect anything different.

But, I’m cautiously optimistic that soon there will be some good news on the job market front.  Don’t expect a big flood of jobs and cash to come your way.   Do expect a little light on the horizon.

I’m heartened by the fact that there are still nearly 3.5 million jobs posted online.  I’m encouraged by the fact that 9 states have experienced a slight decrease in job demand.  And, I’m hopeful that the Stimulus money that began flowing this month will start to make a difference.

Already, the Stimulus has provided additional dollars to State governments to hire and pay private vendors, as well as their own employees.  And, even though the Stimulus has yet to directly create jobs, it is helping some people to stay afloat while they search and wait for a new job (The Stimulus provides for extended unemployment benefits, unemployment benefits to part-time workers in some states, subsidized COBRA benefits and increased healthcare coverage for children).

Finally, though I don’t approve of the motivations and methods of some of the new businesses entering the market, I am glad to see businesses entering the market.  There are a surprising number of opportunities in this market, opportunities that people seem to be digging deep to finance and patronize.

Bottom Line: Hang in there.  Continue to finetune your resume, cover letter and pitch.  Pursue job training and education, if you can afford it.  Keep job-hunting.  It’s all going to pay off.

Hear
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