END OF FIRST QUARTER AND UNEMPLOYMENT RATES CONTINUE TO DECLINE

As reported in The Washington Post, the first quarter of 2012 has passed and the Department of Labor has declared an improved job outlook, with the lowest level of unemployment in the past three years. 

In February, the unemployment rate fell in 45 states, a broader improvement than in March when the unemployment rates fell again but only in 29 states. Even Michigan, one of the hardest hit states during the recession, showed a drop of 6 percent in unemployment to below double digits in response to a recovery in the auto industry. Auto sales have also boosted jobs in the Mercedes and BMW plants in South Carolina.

Even Florida, hard-hit by the housing market decline has shown a drop in unemployment. California, though still painfully high at nearly 11 percent has shown progress over this time a year ago. 

While Nevada remains the highest in unemployment and, in fact, reported a loss of almost 13,000 jobs last month, North Dakota still purports the lowest rate at just over 3 percent. 

Forty-two states added a total of 227,000 in February. Over the past two months the biggest gains in jobs occurred in Ohio, Texas and New York. The Washington Post provides a graphic that designates the unemployment rate by county of each state. 

This good news about job growth comes at a time when more than 40 states are facing significant operating budget shortfalls (per The Washington Post). States have a “balanced budget law,” and the gaps must be adjusted before the state can adopt the budget. Cost cutting in the states’ budgets will affect education, health care and state employee benefits. But the growth in jobs indicates potential revenue for the states.

Tips to help you with your job search 
Being a proactive job-seeker, it’s a good idea to get to know the companies in your vicinity. This information will help you determine interest in where you may wish to work. You can often find information about businesses in your area on the Internet, in newspapers or through community organizations.

To maximize your job search, it’s a good idea to partner with a staffing firm like Time Staffing, Inc. We have built a relationship with local employers and have knowledge of current available jobs. 

When you register, a member from Time Staffing, Inc. will take time to talk with you about your needs and goals then suggest a position that will be the best fit for you and the client company. 
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If you’ve been waiting for the economy to improve, now may be your time to get that dream job.