During 2009 unemployment has been on the rise in most parts of the country. Florida reached 11.0% in the month of October . According to Florida's Agency for Workforce Innovation this represents 1,012,000 jobless out of a labor force of 9,193,000.
Faces of Unemployment
As record high numbers of individuals hit the streets and the internet sites searching for work, they face many challenges. Ed Domansky was one such individual, leaving behind a job as the Communication Director for the Office of Insurance Regulation.
In an interview with suite101 writer Lynsie Slachetka, Domansky mentioned that he found he was struggling to find comparable positions posted, "as quickly as they (job postings) came, they were gone." At the monthly press briefing, Agency of Workforce Innovation Economist Rebbecca Rust said, "When you look at the number of unemployed in Florida, compared to the number of ads, it’s about five to one. There’s five unemployed for every job opening reported on the internet.”
Colin Hackley was employed by The Tampa Tribune as a staff photographer for 21 years. When interviewed Hakley said, "I didn't put all my eggs into the traditional job-force bucket." He now does freelance work while keeping an eye out for his dream job.
Hackley has found that Facebook.com has opened lines of communication and helped him obtain paying gigs. "I've been able to make contact with people through social media. People I didn't have direct contact information for, I knew their name, I knew they lived in Tallahassee, and we knew each other on some level, but I didn't have an e-mail address for them, and I've been able to get work that way."
Ed Domansky echoes Hackley's advice, "The job I got was obtained through a colleague who mentioned that she knew of the opening." Networking with former colleagues, friends and families is becoming increasingly easier through social media.
Utilizing Networking Options
Websites like Linkedin.com, Twitter.com, and Facebook.com offer job seekers a non-invasive medium to approach former contacts and inquire about possible openings. Professional organizations, unions, and volunteer work also offer networking opportunities where job seekers can meet potential employers face to face. In these situations job seekers should always have resumes on hand, and offer to follow up with a phone conversation a few days later.
State run unemployment and/ or workforce offices can offer a wide variety of services ranging from resume advice, job listings, and further training opportunities. For unemployment and workforce office listings, go to http://www.dol.gov/dol/location.htm. With more competition out there, job seekers need to be resourceful and utilize networking opportunities in addition to traditional job application processes.
 |
