In unison, millions of unemployed Americans let out a huge sigh of relief yesterday as Senate extended jobless benefits 14-20 weeks.  Many americans, however, share a feeling of frustration, believing that their country’s decision makers were worried more about devouring ‘lobster and steak’, than the well being of jobless workers.  Have millions of unemployed Americans been forgotten?

How many were forgotten?

• 600,000 Americans exhausted their benefits in September and October
• 1.3 million Americans are expected to exhaust their benefits by the end of 2009

Explaining their frustration…

It was nearly a month ago when Senate introduced this legislation.  Weeks of delay sent millions of unemployed workers into a state of anger and frustration.  Specifically, a number of Republicans were found unfavorable for an additional extension.  With 600,000 Americans exhausting benefits in September and October, it’s not hard to understand their anguish.  Last week I covered an update on this legislation, and opened it up for discussion.  Here are a few frsutrated comments from my Corn Heads:

“I know we have been forgotten. The politicians only care about themselves. As long as their bills are paid and they can sit down to their steak or lobster every night, they couldn’t care less. I guess they think the 100’s of thousands of unemployed persons will never vote again. “

“Watching our government debate whether or not to add amendments to the unemployment benefit extension is ludicrous. Has anyone else been following this? I mean come on..people are literally losing homes because of this ridiculous politicking.”

“Why just keep on extending the benefits for a few weeks when all the experts say it will be at least a year before there starts to be any real jobs. It feels like the same stress as a person a death row that keeps getting a last minute reprieve. Just pass it for at least 52 weeks and give us a chance to breathe and find something. This is mental and emotionally abuse of the very people that for generations paid the taxes that line their pockets.”

Explaining this extension…

On November 4th, Senate voted 98-0 for a 14-20 week extension.  Here are critical points surrounding the legislation:

• Close, but not over.  Senate’s vote pushes this legislation to the House, who should quickly approve the extension.  It’s expected to be finalized this week, or at least 1.3 million people hope so.
• Each state will receive 14 weeks of jobless benefits.  States that have unemployment rates exceeding 8.5% will receive an additional 6 weeks of benefits.  
• Extension will not be retroactive, meaning anyone that has exhausted their benefits will not receive a lump sum payment for unpaid weeks.  Instead, they should expect their benefits to begin immediately.

Is it America’s duty to catch the fallen?  What are your thoughts?

Legislation Update

On October 27th Senate agreed on an 87-13 procedural vote to extend unemployment insurance.  A final vote will take place sometime this week, but all signs point to unemployment insurance being extended further.

What does this mean?

If your unemployment insurance benefits have been exhausted before the passing of this bill, you WILL be eligible for additional weeks of unemployment benefits.  However, be aware that this bill is NOT retroactive.  Those looking to receive a jumbo lump sum payment dating back to when benefits were exhausted will be mildly disappointed.  Don’t frown too hard, your benefits will begin immediately moving forward.

*** Legislation can change from State to State so check y our individual State Unemployment Office for more information.

Do you have questions on unemployment benefits, or any horror stories to share?

Leave a comment below with your question or unemployment horror story.  Many people have exhausted their unemployment benefits and need this extension.  Don’t hold back, I want to hear from you.

President Barack Obama makes an appearance twice in the same week on Corn on the Job, becoming the first president to do so.  Congratulations Barack.

President Obama proposed a 10-year multibillion-dollar initiative to help improve community college programs in the United States.  The objective is to basically re-train Americans as a result of the volatile workplace we currently live in.  In what appears to be $12 billion in proposed spending, $500 million would go to developing new online courses and $9 billion to challenge grants in order to enable more course schedules reflecting the diverse needs of working students.

Those looking to make a career change should find themselves excited reading about Obama’s proposed plan.  While community colleges pose one of the more inexpensive paths to education, schedules as well as programs offered may not be all that flexible for Generation X and the older Generation Y members.  It’s clear that President Obama’s main initiative with this plan is to lead community colleges to a more flexible culture, catering to the needs of tens of millions of unemployed, underemployed, insecure, or bored working Americans.

In the beginning of August I wrote a story about two La Salle graduates struggling to find employment. Down on their luck, and out of ideas, the recent graduates ran out into the street dressed their best and made it their mission to distribute their resume to the masses.  The article expressed my praise towards the hungry, determined, and innovative job seekers, but opposing views quickly flooded my comment box. Professionals that I have a great respect for criticized my praise, and bashed the job search strategy that I believed was genius. Guess what, Corn Heads…

I was right.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32804967/ns/local_news-philadelphia_pa/

Not only did both La Salle graduates quickly gain employment after their road side antics, but Philadelphia has found its latest sidewalk job search hero.  Kevin Smiley, Temple graduate, and aspiring Sports Writer saw what worked for both La Salle graduates and found out quickly that it worked for him as well.  For what I believe was a week, Smiley passed out resumes during rush hour in Center City, Philadelphia and held a sign that said, “Temple grad looking for work, have resume.”  Smiley can now say he has a full-time paid internship with Comcast’s Web Department, and he should be thanking his innovative friends over at La Salle for the idea.

So, yes, I did tell you so, but let me get over myself and try to explain why this approach CAN work.  I emphasize can because it certainly will not work every time, but when it does I’m definitely not surprised.  Simply put, people are sick of resumes.  Sure, a resume is needed at some point or another, but those with a great network, or connection are likely to win the position over a more experienced professional who doesn’t have such a strong network.  Recruiters will cut to resumes from referrals, networking, or other outside the box job search tactics before going through the resumes from their postings.  Put yourself in the mind of a recruiter that has received 100 resumes over the weekend for a particular position.  Over the weekend the recruiter also receives an email from the CIO, referring a candidate for the opening.  Which resume do you think will be opened first?  Catch my drift?

In the end, what matters most is that three recent graduates have jobs.  Innovation and hunger can go a long way, and while I don’t suggest the same job search method for all of you, I do suggest to feed off your hunger, and introduce a bit of innovation to your job search, career, and life.

Loyal Corn Heads might remember last weeks article that covered todays 10 worst jobs. Well, it’s not all doom and gloom here at Corn on the Job.  Over the weekend I decided I’d bring you some sunshine with Today’s Top 10 Best Jobs, so back to CareerCast I went.

For those of you with kids, after a look at the Top 10 Best Jobs list you may want to encourage your little ones to take math a little more seriously.  Also, take note that each of the 10 jobs listed need at least an undergraduate degree, if not graduate school.  If your job falls on this list, please reply back with your thoughts.  Do you really feel like your job is all that sexy?

Top 10 Best Jobs

1. Mathematician
2. Actuary
3. Statistician
4. Biologist
5. Software Engineer
6. Computer Systems Analyst
7. Historian
8. Sociologist
9. Industrial Engineer
10. Accountant
    

There are a number of factors that go into the ranking.  Those factors include:

• Work Environment
• Physical Demands
• Stress
• Income
• Hours Per Week

Check out the full article, and click on a job to see where it ranks in each category!

In the summer of 2008 I had a dream that I was a Lumberjack with incredible super human powers.  This is very true, and I promise I’m going somewhere with this.  At that time I was working with the Customer Support group at Primavera on the recruiting and hiring efforts for a large number of support representatives, so the very next day after the dream I made sure to tell some of my friends in that department.  Before I knew it, my nickname was Lumberjack.  Last night I was doing some research on Careercast, and they have completely ruined my dream.  The Jobs Rated section of Careercast has ranked the Top 10 Worst Jobs you can get today and Lumberjack is #1 on that list.  Bullocks.  There goes my fun dream of spending my day up in a tree, chopping down branches, and wearing flannel.

One thing that all of these jobs have in common is that they are all outdoor jobs.  Maybe the complaining cube monkeys of the world need to take a step back and be thankful for your lovely work environment, air condition, and hopefully safe work conditions.  So, if you are debating a change in career, here is a list of 10 jobs you maybe want to steer clear from:

1. Lumberjack – And here’s a video showing why it’s number 1.
2. Dairy Farmer
3. Taxi Driver - Hockey player Patrick Kane hates cabbies
4. Sailor
5. Emergency Medical Technician
6. Roofer – Sad story
7. Garbage Collector
8. Welder – Ouch
9. Roustabout
10. Ironworker

There are a number of factors that go into the ranking.  Those factors include:

• Work Environment
• Physical Demands
• Stress
• Income
• Hours Per Week

Check out the full article, and click on a job to see where it ranks in each category!

Mark Harden, of the Denver Business Journal, wrote a positive article surrounding the great shit stew we have brewing.  U.S. unemployment numbers were released today, and possibly show signs of progress.  Harden writes, “The nation’s latest employment numbers, released Friday, were the most encouraging in months, showing a much smaller decline in jobs than earlier this year and even a slight drop in the unemployment rate.”

U.S jobless rate dropped to 9.4% from 9.5% in the previous month, and the last three months have seen U.S. employment losses average out at 331,000 a month, as compared to an average of 645,000 over the prior 6 months.  Again, Mark brings some hope to readers.

Unfortunately, the article doesn’t exactly end giving us a reason to join the great, late Harry Kalas in singing “high hopes”(there it is, my cheap philly plug). Mark goes on to say, “Still, while the BLS figures suggest that the nation may be approaching the bottom of its recession-fueled employment plunge, they also show that the climb back up to more typical employment levels will be a long one.”

Thanks to the Bureau of Labor Statistics for the frowns.  Have a nice weekend Corn Heads.
CLICK HERE TO READ FULL ARTICLE

Recent La Salle graduate hands resumes out to passing cars in Philadelphia

Corn on the Job’s feeling a little weird today.  There is a part of me that’s very excited, impressed, and inspired by the creativity of a recent La Salle graduate, and his job search antics.  And there is another part of me that’s feeling somewhat disappointed, and maybe even bitter with a recent graduate from Monroe College.  In a terribly corny effort to keep the COTJ theme, I’m going to present both of these recent college graduates situations in COTJ’s very first “Good Ear vs. Bad Ear”.

Good Ear

Sean Christman, a recent La Salle Graduate has done it.  He has gone, and done it!  Sean found a way to stand out against other job seekers without relying on his resume, social media, networking, or any other item on the list of ‘normal’ job seeker tactics.  On Wednesday, July 22, Sean found himself wearing his finest suit, standing on the median of a busy Philadelphia street (presumingly during rush hour), holding copies of his resume for passing cars.  Brilliant.  I’ve never successfully guessed how many jelly beans were in the jar, but I’ll try to guess how many cars passed by Sean that day?  1,000?  2,000?  5,000?  Your guess is as good as mine, but the answer is, enough.  Lets just say that Sean gave out 100 resumes that day, we’ll shoot low.  So, where did Sean’s resume go that day:

• His resume absolutely ended up in the hands of hiring managers, entry-level to senior-level professionals, and possibly executives of organizations in the Philadelphia area.
• Sean successfully reached multiple industries and organizations without needing an ounce of help from a search firm or the glorious world wide web.
• Lastly, his resume was picked up by those who could possibly refer him on to a company, friend, or co-worker.

Sean may not see his actions from that day directly result in him receiving a job, but at least in COTJ’s opinion, Sean has proven himself way beyond an interview.  Many of us say, “actions speak louder than words”, correct?  Well, isn’t an interview just a big pile of words?  Sure, some interview techniques can prove to be damn effective, but it’s ALWAYS a gamble.  Sean has proven himself to be creative, innovative, and in my mind hard working.  His strategy proves he’s far from lazy, able to think outside of the box and carry out a plan.  When you think about it, Sean created his own social network that day, without even touching a computer, or attending a group meeting.  Amazingly, he found a way to completely randomize where his resume ends up, reaching an unknown number of Philadelphia area organizations and industries.  Again, brilliant!  Now, someone tell Sean to contact me so I can set up an interview with this chap.  I’m beyond interested to see how everything turns out for Sean.

Bad Ear

Trina Thompson has just recently graduated from Monroe College with a bachelor’s in Information Technology.  Trina Thompson has just recently sued Monroe College.  Trina Thompson is an idiot, but maybe not just recently.

Trina can’t find a job, so has decided to sue Monroe College in the Bronx for the cost of her tuition, $70,000.  Thompson is stating the school’s Office of Career Advancement hasn’t provided her with enough help to land her first job.  Jesus Christ, give me a break.

Here’s my advice to Trina:

• Get yourself on Linkedin.  I checked, and it looks like you’ve decided not to join in on the fun.
• Attend networking events, specifically for IT professionals like yourself.
• Read up on COTJ, I’ll make you smile and prepare you for an interview.  Free of cost!
• If you need serious help with your resume, consider working with a resume writer.  Contact Elaine Basham at The Resume Group.  Her email is elaine@theresumegroup.com
• Don’t be lazy, read up above about the “Good Ear”, and think of a creative way to market yourself.

Ok, I’m done for today.  Thanks for reading Corn Heads!

Attendance is free and registration is not required, although if you do register on the website, than you’ll be given a glimpse of the company attendance list.  I strongly suggest registering, than make up your mind once you see which companies plan to be there.

I’ve listed brief information on all five job fairs below, as well as a link that will take you directly to the specific career fair of interest.

Monday, August 10, 2009

• King of Prussia, PA
• 11AM  to 2PM
• Crowne Plaza Hotel Valley Forge
• Click here for more information

Thursday, August 27, 2009

• Voorhees, NJ
• 11AM  to 2PM
• The Mansion on Main Street
• Click here for more information

Friday, October 9, 2009

• Philadelphia, PA
• 11AM  to 2PM
• Crowne Plaza Hotel Philadelphia
• Click here for more information

Thursday, November 5, 2009

• King of Prussia, PA
• 11AM  to 2PM
• Crowne Plaza Hotel Valley Forge
• Click here for more information

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

• Voorhees, NJ
• 11AM  to 2PM
• The Mansion on Main Street
• Click here for more information

Monster.com and Philly.com team up to create what they call the New Job Hob Nob.  What’s wonderful about this event is it brings a networking feel to the career fair.  Candidates and employers will casually meet, mingle, and match up.  Walking up to a recruiter or manager sitting behind a desk can be somewhat intimidating to some, so this casual networking feel should be welcomed as well a studied by other career fair set ups in the future.  Along with a link to the event website, please see a few of the important details I’ve outlined below:

• What: NEW JOB HOB NOB
• When: WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2009 @ 5:30PM – 8:30PM
• Where: JACK’s FIREHOUSE, 2130 FAIRMOUNT AVENUE   click here for directions

• What should recruiters know?

• Features a casual networking twist to career fairs.  No booths.  No lines.  Talk, walk, and mingle with available professionals.
• New Job Hob Nob features 250 of Philadelphia’s  brightest job seekers.
• Admission for 3 company representatives
• Download registration packet on website, deadline to register is at noon on Friday, August 7th

What should job seekers know?

• Casual networking feel to career fair.  Say goodbye to long lines and awkward conversations through employer booths.  Walk around and mingle with other job seekers as well as your targeted employers.
• Dress to impress, and bring tons of copies of that resume.  (see my articles for resume help)
• Deadline to register is 5PM on Monday, August 10th.  See website for registration information.
• Network!  Talk to other job seekers, recruiters, and those working at the career fair and add them to your Linkedin contacts, seriously.

Click here for full information on the New Job Hob Nob!