Considering the Work Situation in the usa

When we hear the term “unemployed,” most of us think of someone without a job, right? Well, not necessarily. An unemployed individual is someone who is laid-off, terminated, or has simply stopped working but is still actively seeking employment or has made efforts to find a job in recent weeks. This is the type of unemployment that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics recognizes. So, technically, if you are not employed but are also not actively looking for work, you may not be classified as unemployed, at least not by the U.S. government.

Terminology Used by the Federal Government to Describe Unemployment

Just to clarify, here are some other terms used by the government regarding unemployment:

• Partially Attached

These are individuals who have not searched for a job within the past month. This category also includes discouraged workers, those who have given up on their job search entirely, individuals who have returned to school, pregnant women, and people with disabilities.

• Underemployed

These are individuals working part-time jobs but would prefer full-time employment.

As of January 2015, the unemployment rate in the U.S. stands at 5.7%, which translates to approximately nine million people. Youth unemployment is at 18.8%, with men at 5.3% and women at 5.1%. Broken down by race, the unemployment rates are as follows: Caucasians at 4.9%, African-Americans at 10.3%, Asians at 4.0%, and Hispanics at 6.7%.

As of December 2014, the highest unemployment rate by industry is found in agriculture at 12.1%, while government employees have the lowest rate at 2.8%.

But the key question here is, “What causes unemployment?” Surprisingly, it’s not a single factor but rather a combination of many elements. Some of the primary factors include:

• Frictional Unemployment

This type of unemployment occurs when individuals are between jobs, such as someone who recently lost a job and is actively seeking a new one, or recent graduates. Frictional unemployment is present in all economies because it takes time to find work.

• Structural Unemployment

This is caused by a mismatch of skills in the job market, which can result from various factors.

• • Occupational Immobility

This relates to the challenges of acquiring new skills required for a different industry. For example, a fisherman may struggle to transition to the high-tech sector.

• • Geographical Barriers

This refers to difficulties in relocating for a job. For instance, you may receive a job offer in the UK, but housing and other living arrangements can be a hindrance.

• • Technological Change

Some industries, particularly manufacturing, are relying more on technology than human labor, which can lead to a reduced demand for workers.

• • Structural Shifts in the Economy

These are inevitable changes that can result in many workers losing their jobs and struggling to adapt to new sectors.

• Classical Unemployment

This is a somewhat complex topic but, in essence, occurs when real wages for workers are too high, and businesses cannot afford to hire more people at the same wage.

• Voluntary Unemployment

This happens when individuals choose to remain unemployed, often because they receive generous benefits, and they rely on these benefits rather than working.

• Cyclical Unemployment

This is also known as “demand-deficient” unemployment, which occurs during economic recessions when companies need to reduce staff due to decreased productivity.

So, now that we understand why the job market can be challenging to enter, it’s essential to be well-prepared when applying for a position. Having the right job search tools in place, including a well-crafted resume and cover letter, is crucial. With fierce competition for job openings, the assistance of the best resume writers can make a significant difference!

But remember although, if you have effort and dedication, nothing is going to be impossible.

Image Resource: Thom Bradley from Burst open

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