Job Search Statistics & Find Work in this Economy

The work economy and job search statistics are staggering:

• The current number of people unemployed in The U.S. for the month of June – 12.7 million; essentially unchanged since February 2012.

• The current national unemployment rate has remained steady at 8.2% for the past five months.

• The number of long-term unemployed individuals (those jobless for 27 weeks and over) = 5.4 million; unchanged since February 2012.

• These individuals account for 41.9% of the long-term unemployment rate.

These numbers are mind-boggling!  It’s hard to imagine what people caught in this time of economic change must be going through.  My heart sinks thinking about their feelings of worry, despair, and hopelessness.

“If you keep doing what you’ve been doing, you’ll keep getting what you’ve been getting.”

Quote on the Definition of Insanity

The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over but expecting different results.  The Internet is cluttered with job hunting tips.  However, in a tight global market, where industries are changing, you need to be focused and persistent.  You also need to be creative and consider a shift!

• Look inside the box – Identify what Oprah would call your “Best Self”.  Dig deep for the courage to market your true self and follow an untapped passion. Courage has the power to change lives. When you feel great about yourself, your aura tells the world that you have the power to accomplish anything. If you need inspiration, check out “Courage”, by New York Times bestselling author, Debbie Ford.  This book provides the tools to alter the course of your life.  “Courage” develops confidence and authentic self-expression!

• Look outside the box – Be relentless in networking.  Working your personal connections is the best way to find a new job because they expand your network and open up new options. Consider a position in another industry, a smaller company or start your own. (Entrepreneurs are fueling the US economy!) Be willing to take a job that could lead to the next job that you really want.

• Embrace your inner geek – It’s 2012.  The age of Technology!  You’re not relevant in business or your personal life if you’re not conversant in social media platforms, mobile technologies and techniques. Blogging about your area of expertise or tweeting market trends is a great way to get noticed by potential employers. For technophobes over 40, I’d suggest finding a tech-savvy millennial to guide you.  At The Hartford, our seven sessions Reverse Mentor Program in Social Media, Emerging Trends and Technologies was rated extremely effective by executives and generated over 100 new ideas to improve productivity and drive business value.

• Enhance your personal brand – Create visibility by building your on-line profile.  It’s important to create a personal brand that portrays you in a professional light. Potential employers and contacts need to have a clear idea of your area of expertise, your work ethic, and outside community interests. Be thoughtful and deliberate in your LinkedIn posts or tweets.  Share an article or quote daily to provide thought leadership. Employers browse your social media profiles to evaluate character (is the candidate well-rounded?) and to see if their personality is a good fit for the company culture.

• Have fun – My colleague Cameron is playing SuperBetter. It’s an app created by gamers and backed by science to help build personal resilience. It’s designed to help you through a tough time, and can give your friends and family an “aha moment” about what you’re tackling.  It helps them find ways to really support you. Gamify your next move and see your energy surge!

Reinventing Your Career

I’m a creative, digital professional. I’ve reinvented myself and my career several times over in the last 20 years.  Scary?…Difficult? You bet! But being flexible, forward thinking and resilient will help you excel in today’s rapidly changing workplace. You CAN reinvent yourself! Get your mojo going!  Shift your focus to conquering the process and we’ll knock down the statistics…one job at a time.

Lisa Bonner is the Assistant Vice President of Contemporary Work Practices at The Hartford.  She is the proud mother of very active 14 year-old twin boys and resides in Suffield, Connecticut. Connect with her on LinkedIn or on Twitter @lisacbonner.  The opinions expressed are personal and not related to The Hartford.

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