What the Unemployment Numbers Mean to You? And Why You Must Ignore Them.
Mark Anthony Dyson
"The Job Scam Report" on Substack | "The Voice of Job Seekers" | Writing and imagining a safe and strategic job search | Freelance Content | Speaker | Quoted in Forbes, Business Insider, Fast Co., LinkedIn News | ΦΒΣ
Whether unemployed or changing careers, you'll get the heads up on the effective strategies to help you take steps forward. We presented data to show there are some anomalies in the numbers BLS survey. There are many challenges to unfold during these times, but you'll ultimately need to prepare and endure a potentially lengthy job search.
Although the BLS reports the unemployment rate is 7.9%, it feels like it's much more. There are states such as Illinois and California reporting unemployment certification problems. In Chicago, there are reports that despite an uptick of representatives taking certification calls for unemployment benefits, many unemployed workers are unable to reach by phone the Illinois Department of Employment Services since the state's shutdown in March.
Layoffs are not slowing down with Disney Land is reporting 28,000 layoffs are imminent.
Jack reported in Forbes United Airlines and American Airlines are planning thousands of furloughs.
We tackled the reports' anomalies as to why these numbers are good to know and why they don't serve your efforts positively.
Here are some of our discussion highlights:
??Hopefully, more employers will see this time as an uncontrollable occurrence and unrelated to job performance.
??Even though numbers are dismal, keeping your eyes open to know what's going on can prove your information to navigate your job search.
??You can't focus on numbers to the point of being paralyzed.
??Preparation for unusual occurrences affecting the job market means to always be in job search mode.
??Look to in-demand markets. Consider trades, manufacturing, and environmental (green jobs). Through Marc Miller's podcast, I heard FEMA is hiring (COVID. Go to USAJOBS.gov.
??A year without upskilling can put your job search behind. Remain vigilant, trained, and ready for any job crisis.
??Transferrable skills are critical to pivot and react.
??More industries are likely to face imminent and massive layoffs such as the healthcare (non-essential) and restaurant industries.
Please continue the conversation below and if you have questions, we'll answer them. We'll be back on October 21 with another show, and each Wednesday, 1 pm EST. Be sure you sign up for the notifications, so you will get the alert to join us when we go live.