Tim McMahon, Editor of UnemploymentData.com

My grandfather lived through the Hyperinflation in Weimar, Germany--to say he was an original “gold bug” would be an understatement. I began reading his “hard money” newsletters at the age of 16 and the dividends from gold stocks helped put me through college. I began publishing the Financial Trend Forecaster paper newsletter in 1995 upon the death of James Moore editor of Your Window into the Future and the creator of the Moore Inflation Predictor©. FTF specializes in trends in the stock market, gold, inflation and bonds. In January of 2003, I began publishing InflationData.com to specialize in all forms of information about the nature of Inflation. In 2009, we added Elliott Wave University to help teach you the principles of Elliott Wave analysis. In January 2013, we began publishing OptioMoney. Connect with Tim on Google+.

Healthcare Careers on the Rise

November 10, 2020 by Tim McMahon

Currently, careers in healthcare are arguably more in-demand than they have ever been. With a large sector of the population approaching retirement age and more and more people opting to have and use health insurance, there is a shortage of healthcare providers that is rather on the unprecedented side.

This shortage applies to most jobs in the field of healthcare. Physicians, nurses and technicians are all in short supply. This is particularly true for regions and states that are more rural in nature as it can be more difficult to provide good healthcare to parts of the population that are more set apart from bigger cities and more highly populated areas.

While a shortage in healthcare providers is naturally not a positive thing, it does mean, however, that job opportunities in a variety of specializations are plentiful. The level of job security within the healthcare community, as well as enticing salaries, are enough to encourage many people to pursue a career in healthcare.

Here are three such careers that are currently on the rise:

Radiologic Technologist

One career in healthcare that is in particular demand at the moment is that of radiologic technologist.

What is a Radiologic Technologist? If you have ever been to a hospital or private practice where you had to receive an MRI, a CT scan, or something of that nature, then you have encountered one of these skilled technicians.

Often referred to as rad techs, a radiologic technologist operates the machinery involved in the capturing of diagnostic images. The equipment that rad techs operate and the information that can be gained from such imaging procedures is crucial to a physician’s ability to provide an accurate and precise diagnosis to a patient.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, the median annual wage for magnetic resonance imaging technologists was $73,410 in May 2019. And the median annual wage for radiologic technologists and technicians was $60,510.

October Employment Up 1.6 Million

November 7, 2020 by Tim McMahon

Employment Increased by 1.6 Million in October

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released its employment / unemployment report for October on November 6^th.

Unadjusted U-3 was Down from 7.7% to 6.6%.
Adjusted U-3 was Down from 7.9% to 6.9%.
Unadjusted U-6 was Down from 12.4% to 11.6%.
Labor Force Participation rose from 61.4% to 61.7%.
Unadjusted Employment up from 141.854 million to 143.459 million.

According to the Commissioner of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:

“Total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 638,000 in October, and the unemployment rate declined to 6.9 percent, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. These improvements in the labor market reflect the continued resumption of economic activity that had been curtailed due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and efforts to contain it. In October, notable job gains occurred in leisure and hospitality, professional and business services, retail trade, and construction. Employment in government declined.”

Of course, they are talking about “Seasonally Adjusted Jobs” from the “Current Population Survey (CPS)” rather than looking at the results reported by actual companies in their “Current Employment Statistics survey (CES)”

But looking at the CES report we see…
Originally the BLS reported 141.855 million jobs for September, this month they only adjusted that slightly.
So currently they are saying 141.854 million jobs for September and 143.459 million for October.
which is actually an increase of 1,604,000 jobs based on their original estimates.

3 Top Tips for Climbing the HR Career Ladder

October 26, 2020 by Tim McMahon

When we think of HR or Human Resources we usually think of the gatekeepers to getting the job that we want. But… what if you want to get a job as a gatekeeper?

Pursuing a successful career in human resources is a challenging task, there’s no denying that. If you want to increase your chances of reaching the top of this particular career ladder, it’s essential that you put the advice laid out below into practice.

Here are three tips for climbing the HR career ladder:

Attain a Good Education

If you want to stand out from the crowd in your talent pool, you need to go above and beyond to showcase your industry expertise. The best way to do this is to attain a high level of education in your field. Most of your contemporaries will have been awarded bachelor’s degrees in either business management, economics, finance, or psychology. To showcase the fact that you are a more attractive job candidate than them, you could get yourself a B.S or better yet a Master of Science degree specifically in the HR field.

If you can’t afford to put your career on pause in order to go back to university you can enroll in an online course like Touro University MS in Human Resource Management, you will have the opportunity to study whenever, wherever, and however you like. This curriculum is taught 100% online, which means that you won’t have to worry about it disrupting your day-to-day working schedule. Once you graduate, you will be ready to take on a variety of leadership roles in the field of HR, including labor relations management.

Take Advantage of Social Media

Thanks to the rise of [Read more…] about 3 Top Tips for Climbing the HR Career Ladder

Understanding Students Helps University Marketing

October 20, 2020 by Tim McMahon

If you run (or are involved in the running of) an educational establishment, having a knowledge of how a student typically chooses which course to study can be hugely beneficial in devising your next marketing strategy.

Education is a highly competitive industry, with establishments pitching against each other for enrollments to help fund their on-going work, research, and development. Planning the right marketing strategy can mean the difference between a student attending your institution or going elsewhere—so having a better understanding of what undergraduates are typically looking for can help you to better promote your university.

The Importance of Good Website And Search Engine Optimization

Almost everything we do these days starts with online research, and Generation Z is no different. In fact, Gen-Z (in most cases, your target market) is the most internet-dependent in history and your website will likely be their first port of call when searching for where to apply. Indeed, a recent study found that 50% of all applications were made on the basis of a university’s website. Having a professional, well-informed website is crucial in aiding the decision-making process of prospective students.

Moreover, you should also remember the importance of search engine optimization (SEO) in helping applicants find your website among the myriad of other educational establishments. SEO is a complex process aimed at making websites appear higher in results generated under specific terms (for example, “universities offering biochemistry degrees USA”).

For the best results, consider working with a student enrollment marketing agency that will look after all sides of your online marketing and promotion, thereby helping you build a stronger online profile and increasing your likelihood of being found in searches.

https://youtu.be/vzzBhKRBHq4

Broaden Your Horizons and Expand Your Success

October 16, 2020 by Tim McMahon

At the height of the pandemic over 23 million jobs were lost in the U.S. Consequently, the pandemic left many people at a crossroads in their lives. If you are among them and have lost your job, you may be having to make major decisions in your life.

Should you wait in case your previous job becomes available again? Or is this an opportunity to take a new direction in life, broaden your horizons and learn new skills?

Why not take a minute to stop and see how you can broaden your horizons and accomplish much more than you realized by reading our in-depth article.

Start A Blog

Do you have marketable skills? Regardless of the answer in your mind right now, the answer is yes!

Whether you have trained as an industry professional or worked behind a desk for 10 years, you have likely picked up hard or soft skills that other people can benefit from. [Read more…] about Broaden Your Horizons and Expand Your Success

Need a New Job Fast? Positions You Can Get With Quick Training

October 9, 2020 by Tim McMahon

Whether you’re looking to switch careers or secure a better paying job, the careers out there are endless. According to the Bureau of labor and statistics, there is a big difference in salary compensation among skilled and unskilled workers. This means that you will be at an advantage if you have a marketable skill set. But you may wonder, which are the best jobs that I can get with quick training? Below are some of the positions you can look out for.

Web Developer

Web developers are in charge of creating and maintaining websites. Some of the best developers earn about $119,000 per year. To get such a job, one does not need to have a degree in programming or similar skills. On the other hand, an online course can equip you with the skills necessary skills required. There are several paid and free programming courses on the internet. YouTube tutorials can be a great place to start.

Chef / Cook

Cooks work everywhere that food is prepared including restaurants, schools, hospitals, private households, and other places. Restaurants are always looking for good efficient cooks. Most cooks learn their skills through on-the-job training and related work experience. Although no formal education is required, some restaurant cooks attend culinary school. Overall employment of cooks is projected to grow 10 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. Individual growth rates will vary by specialty.

Cooks usually work under the direction of chefs, head cooks, or food service managers. Large restaurants and foodservice establishments often have multiple menus and a large kitchen staff. Teams of restaurant cooks, sometimes called assistant cooks or line cooks, work at assigned stations equipped with the necessary types of stoves, grills, pans, and ingredients.

Railroad and Transit Police

Depending on [Read more…] about Need a New Job Fast? Positions You Can Get With Quick Training

September Employment Up 1.25 Million not 661,000

October 3, 2020 by Tim McMahon

Employment Increased by 1.25 Million in September

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released its employment / unemployment report for September on October 2nd.

Unadjusted U-3 was Down from 8.5% to 7.7%!
Adjusted U-3 was Down from 8.4% to 7.9%!
Unadjusted U-6 was Down from 14.3% to 12.4%!
Labor Force Participation fell from 61.7% to 61.4%.
Unadjusted Employment up from 140.718 million to 141.855 million.

According to the Commissioner of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:

“Nonfarm payroll employment increased by 661,000 in September, and the unemployment rate fell to 7.9 percent. These improvements reflect the continued resumption of economic activity that had been curtailed due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and efforts to contain it.

In September, employment continued to increase in several industries, with the largest gains in leisure and hospitality, in retail trade, in health care and social assistance, and in professional and business services. By contrast, employment declined in government, mainly in state and local government education.”

Of course, he is talking about “Seasonally Adjusted Jobs” from the “Current Population Survey (CPS)” rather than looking at the results reported by actual companies in their “Current Employment Statistics survey (CES)”

But looking at the CES report we see…
Originally the BLS reported 140.598 million jobs for August, they added 120,000 jobs since that estimate.
So currently they are saying 140.718 million jobs for August and 141.855 million jobs for September which is actually an increase of 1,257,000 jobs based on their original estimates.

How to Appear Highly Professional in an Interview

September 28, 2020 by Tim McMahon

There’s nothing more important in an interview than showing an employer that you are competent in a professional environment. According to economists that study employment issues, such as Warren Mosler, many employers are reluctant to take people who have been unemployed for a long time, which is partly due to the fact that there isn’t enough evidence that the prospective employee is fit for the professional working world. That’s why doing your best to demonstrate your professionalism can help your job interview efforts significantly. Here are some tips to help you achieve just that.

Practice Rigorously

Try to find some relevant frequently asked questions and practice your answers in the mirror. You should get to the stage where you appear calm, clear, and brief with your answers. It’s okay to stutter, but if you try to speak slowly you will find you come across as more confident and more professional.

Do a Lot of Research

Research everything you can — the [Read more…] about How to Appear Highly Professional in an Interview

Is Being a Call Center Agent Right For You?: The Pros and Cons to Consider

September 17, 2020 by Tim McMahon

Trying to look for a job after graduating? Or maybe you’re considering a different line of work after leaving the previous one. Either way, you might want to consider the idea of working as a call center agent.

If you have a mix of skills in both communication and problem solving, this is a job you might consider. You also learn new things, such as new skill sets in addition to a salary and benefits. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, customer service representative jobs are set to grow by about 36% up to the year 2026.

Call Centers: An Overview

Before we look at the pros and cons of being a call center agent, let’s talk about what call centers are. A call center is an office that receives customer phone calls. Here, agents receive these calls to assist customers with their inquiries and help resolve issues.

The duties of a call center agent vary depending on the company’s line of business. This ranges from technical support to customer support. Some also have options in order entry in case the line of business leans towards retail.

Call center jobs fall under two variants. The first is under a parent business which comes with brand familiarity and other features. While the second comes from a third-party provider, which has the edge of efficiency.

Before going out to apply as a call center agent, check your call center variant. Knowing what you’re getting into will help you prepare for your call center agent duties.

https://youtu.be/Nmkv-4tGlC4?t=144

The Pros of Being a Call Center Agent

Now that we know what call centers are, let’s take a look at the upsides and downsides in working one. These pieces of information can help you decide if this is the right line of work for your career. Being a call center agent has interesting perks that you can take advantage of.

Here are some of these advantages.

Schedule Flexibility

The good thing about working as a call center agent is the flexible scheduling they offer to agents. In this case, they can help you set your work schedule with your personal commitments in mind.

More Options for Workplace

With recent developments, call centers also offer work-from-home options. This gives you the option to choose whether you wish to work on the main production floor. Or you can choose to work remotely in your home office, in case the location is too far.

Matters about schedule flexibility and work-from-home vary from each call center. Inquire about them first.

Specialized Knowledge Base

Another advantage available is the learning opportunities you get during the training period. You learn more about the specific details of the company’s business and how you can use your problem-solving skills to help customers.

It becomes a time of discovery with amazing programs. You gain exposure to many different seminars and workshops such as BDC training.

Honing Communication Skills

You also sharpen your communication skills when working in a call center. You get to see how soft skills can do much in bringing customer satisfaction similar to hard skills. It also helps with bolstering your self-confidence.

Pay Grade and Benefits

Call center work becomes an attractive choice as your first job or your next because of this. It comes with a set salary and several benefits (such as health insurance). If you do well, you also get to enjoy several performance bonuses.

The Cons of Being a Call Center Agent

As much as you see the advantages, you also have downsides when you work in a call center. These may come as small hurdles that you may come across, or as deal-breakers. But if you have the grit and intent, this could help you prepare and plan ahead.

Let us now look at the disadvantages.

Unpredictable Stress and Work Hours

With being a call center agent, the task of taking calls can come as a two-edged sword. The customers that you encounter on the other line vary in disposition and stress level. In this case, you can get a mild-mannered customer on one call and an irate customer on the next.

Then you also have those times when calls can stretch longer when the issues happen to be far more challenging. When this happens, you may find yourself going beyond your work schedule while resolving that call. It becomes a source of stress and it can be as draining as it can get.

Sedentary Position

Imagine working long hours sitting down, taking calls, and working out customer concerns. This becomes a situation that you encounter for the rest of your stay in a call center. It can pose health concerns if you remain in that seated position for a good eight hours or more.

This can affect your body due to a lack of exercise and other factors. Keep this in mind and work around these health concerns. You may need to get up from your chair and walk a bit. You might also need water for hydration and your voice.

High Turnover

Call center work is a challenging one, especially when it comes to employee turnover rates. Call centers have high employee turnover rates. This comes from factors such as seasonal ramp-ups or other circumstances for the agents.

Because of this, you will also encounter unstable teams and their dynamics. Possible to address, but it can pose a challenge to you and your team leader.

Ready to Be A Call Center Agent?

Being a call center agent has its fair share of ups and downs. But like every other career and industry field, your direction and growth can start here. All you need is motivation and perseverance.

But why stop here? If you’re looking for more employment tips and guides, we invite you to keep reading our other posts today!

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How to Turn Losing a Job Into Gaining Your Own Business

September 15, 2020 by Tim McMahon

Often when people lose their jobs, it’s through no fault of their own. Maybe it’s because the industry they’ve chosen to work in has become less popular over time. Maybe it’s because a new rival business has come and taken business away from your previous employers. Maybe it’s because management ran the company poorly and it had to shut down.

One way you can take the “maybes” out of your next career is to make all the decisions yourself. Often the best way to make sure your job is secure is to become your own boss. If you’re considering setting up your own company, here’s how to turn your dream into a reality.

Develop Your USP

The very first thing you should consider when setting up your company is what is going to make you stand out from your competitors. There’s no point just copying what someone else is doing and hoping people prefer your brand to theirs. It either must be a better product, better value for money or maybe simply just better marketed. This is called a “Unique Selling Proposition” (or USP). [Read more…] about How to Turn Losing a Job Into Gaining Your Own Business