Unemployment
Unemployment is a huge issue all over the world. Millions of people searching for work have been unable to secure it. There are a variety of reasons for this including the economy, the jobs available, a person’s skills, education, and criminal history.
The economy in the United States is very tight right now. Therefore, many places just aren’t hiring because sells are down. This in turn leads to less sells because the community has unemployed people who aren’t buying goods or services. It is a downward spiraling effect.
The jobs available may not match a person’s skills or education. For example, many people after 09/11 who lost their jobs couldn’t find another job in that market because of the abundance of workers available. They then found they didn’t have the skills for many of the other jobs out there, or were overqualified for positions lower than their skill level. On the other hand, industries including construction had thousands of unfilled jobs because the market didn’t offer individuals with the necessary skills to choose from.
Expanding your skills and education level can greatly improve your chances of finding employment. Most colleges around the nation report that when the job market gets smaller, their enrollment increases. This is because people decide it is a good time to complete their degree or attend a trade school.
Regardless of your education, skills, and work history, if you have a criminal history you will find getting a job very difficult. Most companies require you to pass a background check prior to offering employment. For some jobs, it doesn’t matter, but more and more places are requiring it for safety reasons. If you do have a criminal record, it is important that you are up front about it as well as try to explain the situation in a positive way. Discuss what you learned from the event; discuss how you completed the requirements of your sentence, any work history since your conviction, and your goals regarding future employment. Some employers out there are willing to give you a chance if you don’t hide the information from them. You may have to settle for a job you don’t like at low pay in the beginning, but you can build on that. You can use that employer as a reference for a better job down the road.
Finding employment can be difficult regardless of the reason. Unemployment can cause stress for you as well as financial difficulties. There are services available for free that offer assistance with resumes, completing job applications, and tips for successful job interviews.
