How long is it taking people in 2012 to find their next job?

1. 61

   Marble Sweetsposted 12 years ago

   How long is it taking people in 2012 to find their next job?
   
   How long is it taking people in 2012 to find their next job?
   
   

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   msorenssonposted 12 years ago

   It is rumoured that the economy will pick up very soon...

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   1. 61

      Marble Sweetsposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I think that there are definite signs that the economy is picking up..but we've said that before, and it hasn't lasted. Let's hope this time is different.

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      msorenssonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Yes, indeed and it will be global recovery, not regional, according to some...

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      Larry Wallposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      An improved economy will help, because my 401K value should increase and that will help me.

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   tillsontitanposted 12 years ago

   That depends on a lot of things.  If they are unemployed they may never find another job.  Some companies tried to pass policies saying people who are unemployed need not apply for jobs but there is a law being considered that will ban that practice.
   Finding another job is a delicate, scary endeavor in 2012 and anyone who has a job better keep it unless he/she has a definite job waiting.

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   1. 61

      Marble Sweetsposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I appreciate your comment tillsontitan because I think it is quite accurate!

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      Uninvited Writerposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I know, I've been unemployed for a year. Luckily I can do some writing to earn some money

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   peeplesposted 12 years ago

   I live in a county that has a 19% unemployment rate and that does not include those who have given up looking or were self employed before. However I see tons of fast food and gas stations hiring. I think many people take longer to find a job because they are not willing to take one that is "below" them. In hard times you take what you can get and work it till you find something better. Some choose not to do that though.

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   1. 61

      Marble Sweetsposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Excellent comment peeples..and that is astonishing to be in a part of the country that has 19% unemployment rate! When you add the underemployed to that, that means every one out of four people in the job market is without a job!

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   Jason Marovichposted 12 years ago

   +1 to tillsontitan's answer.  I'd like to add that education is an incredibly important factor, even for the long-term unemployed.  Without an education, the odds of finding your next job are stacked against you, simply because there are so many educated people seeking employment.

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   1. 61

      Marble Sweetsposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      That's right, Jason, and the educated are seeking the lower-paying jobs...which means the high-school graduate is more and more shut out. The group that is truly struggling in 2012 are young people, and that's because all the ads say "experienced"!

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      Uninvited Writerposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I have a community college diploma and it seems that isn't enough for some of the most low level jobs that I am already experienced in. Those of us over 50 who have several years to retirement are also having trouble finding work.

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      Larry Wallposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Not only are young people cut out for not having experience, older people are cut out for not having experience in the "latest and greatest" software, social media platform, etc. Employers do not want to spend any time or money training.

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   Larry Wallposted 12 years ago

   It depends on what is the "hottest trend" for jobs, your age, your education, your experience and your ability to learn.
   
   In my personal case the issue is age. I am 60, pushing 61. I am not going to be hired. We hear talk about new construction projects that will create thousands of jobs. I hope so, but that will not help me get a job.
   
   Employers want young people, who have taken a lot of courses, have some experience and will never offer a conflicting opinion to management.
   
   I ran a trade association, unofficially for 20 years. I did it in the background. I was Director of Public Affairs--officially. I was also unofficially, office manager, IT director, purchasing agent, chief financial officer and lead researcher.
   
   I also held the same job for 22 years. Thus, my experience is not varied enough and most employers do not ask for samples of your work or even give you the courtesy of a telephone interview. I received a rejection letter today from an Accounting Firm for a graphics coordinator. I am capable of doing the job. I am well trained in all the software programs they outlined. I have done everything expected of the job. But upon reviewing my resume, they determine that my experience did not meet their requirements.
   
   I sent that application on Monday and today is Wednesday. They really put a lot of thought into it.
   
   The other issue is that most jobs are filled before they are advertised, especially in government and higher education. I received a letter from an university taking me from coming to be interviewed, but they had found another candidate.
   
   I was never interviewed. I wrote back, thanked them for the letter and noted that I was never interviewed and had I been hired, I would had made certain the right form letter went out to the other candidates.

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7. 61

   Marble Sweetsposted 12 years ago

   Fascinating Larry...and I do agree that if one is outside the main preferential hiring range of 25 to 49 then it is much tougher. I also agree that many employers these days seem to not want anyone with an ounce of independent thinking within them...although they give lots of lip service saying they do.
   It was extremely interesting to me to look at the Careerbuilder "stats" that they show you on the other candidates who have sent in resumes for the same job you (or anyone) has applied for. ON AVERAGE, there are between 150 to 200 resumes being sent in PER JOB, 60% are employed, 40% are unemployed (approximately) and HERES your EDGE...only 25% bother with a cover letter. So always send that. Thanks for your thoughtful post.
   Marble Sweets

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