New Unemployment Claims Down, But Continuing Claims Rise

The U.S. Department of Labor released its most recent statistics on unemployment today, and the findings show that while unemployment has stabilized over the past 3-4 weeks (meaning there aren't as many newly unemployed), those who are currently out of work are taking longer to find new jobs.

The number of U.S. workers filing new claims for unemployment fell 12,000 last week -- initial claims for state unemployment benefits declined to a seasonally adjusted 631,000 in the week ended May 16 -- but the number of people still receiving benefits after drawing an initial week of aid increased by 75,000, to 6.6 million.

What does this mean for resume writers? In simple terms, a need to continue to encourage clients to persevere in their search. There are certainly jobs out there, but clients will have to work harder (using their network and following up) to identify and secure positions. 

Making a point to emphasize a holistic approach to the search -- not just developing and distributing the resume (the equivalent of giving the job searcher a fish, rather than teaching him or her to fish). 

A Great Time to Get Publicity for Your Resume Writing Services

Layoffs are in the news everyday -- and as a careers professional, you're in a perfect spot to comment on this issue and get publicity for your resume writing services!

Just today, following the announcement of a major employer letting 350 employees go, I wrote a news release which I e-mailed to the reporter who wrote the story announcing the layoffs.

I also posted the tips on my blog:
http://omahajobhelp.blogspot.com/2009/01/what-to-do-if-you-think-youre-going-to.html

You can do the same.

Now is the time to be visible. There are tens of thousands of prospective clients out there -- they just need to know you exist!

Blog About What Matters to Your Clients

Wonder about how to justify your prices to clients? Put it in terms they understand -- and blog about it to draw their attention to the issue while you build your credibility.

For example, I'm researching Nebraska's unemployment benefits for an upcoming Resume Writers' Digest Special Report. In conducting my research, I found some interesting information that is extremely relevant to prospective clients. Many people think that unemployment benefits will keep them afloat if they are out of work. But the reality is, unemployment benefits are a safety net -- and there are quite a few holes in that net.

Using information culled from about 15 minutes of research, I wrote a blog post on Nebraska Unemployment Benefits that is sure to open the eyes of more than a few prospective clients. I could use the same information in a news release I send to the local paper.

(Feel free to use the post as a model for your own blog post or news release.)