MintLife Blog | Personal Finance News & Advice » Employment

The Unemployment Situation in Perspective

Ross Crooks — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 16:45:20 +0000

By any measure, the unemployment rate is on the rise. But exactly how bad is the problem and what are the implications for the broader economy? To put things in perspective, we need to consider how the unemployment rate is calculated, who is considered employed and who isn’t. Many claim the official rate is flawed and presents an optimistic picture that doesn’t truly reflect reality. Other quoted statistics measuring job loss can be deceptive if selective time periods are used. In our latest infographic we have taken a broad view of the American workforce over the last five years showing the various employment conditions and how each is categorized.

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The 20 Best Companies to Work for in 2010

Ross Crooks — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:05:48 +0000

If you’re unemployed and struggling to make ends meet, you might be feeling like any job will do. But, there’s no need to resort to desperation tactics. Being smarter about where you apply could get you a better job — one with a higher-than-normal salary, less chance of a layoff, or unusual benefits that are unique to a particular industry. To help you in your job search, we’ve taken a look at the companies that have put their people first, making them the best companies to work for in 2010.

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The Best Cities for Working Mothers

Ross Crooks — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 23:29:19 +0000

At the risk of generalizing about the needs of working mothers, we think its fair to say that they not only want to find meaningful employment at a good salary, with comprehensive benefits but they also have specific needs that are unique to raising a family. Working mothers, across the board, want to live in a place that is safe, with good schools, and decent medical care. Based on Forbes’ rankings over multiple areas, we have prepared this map of America’s best cities for working mothers.

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The US Income Gap

Ross Crooks — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 22:11:04 +0000

Though the income gap in the United States has slowly decreased over the last few decades, there still remains a significant disparity in income between genders and across races. The earnings of Black women are much closer to the US average than those of their male counterparts, and the trend is similar for those of Hispanic descent. It is also notable that on average, Asian females earn more than both Black and Hispanic males, while Asian males have the highest income among all groups.

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Though the income gap in the United States has slowly decreased over the last few decades, there still remains a significant disparity in income between genders and across races. The earnings of Black women are much closer to the US average than those of their male counterparts, and the trend is similar for those of Hispanic descent. It is also notable that on average, Asian females earn more than both Black and Hispanic males, while Asian males have the highest income among all groups. <a href="http://www.mint.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/MNT-INCOME-DISPARITY-R4.png"></a> <a href="http://www.mint.com/">personal finance software</a> – Mint.com

Mint Map: Where the Jobs Will Be

Ross Crooks — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 18:32:08 +0000

With the current unemployment rate at 10.6 percent and soaring even higher, you might have to seriously consider relocating in order to find work. You know what the say about the grass being greener? Well, our latest map shows that not all cities are faring equally in our current economic climate and in fact some are actually growing. Take a look to find out which cities are projected to have the greatest number of new jobs created, as well as those with the fastest rate of job growth over the next 20 years.

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Mint Map: Moving for Money

Ross Crooks — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 21:45:54 +0000

In times of plenty, relocating for work usually means a better job or a higher standard of living. But in today’s tough economy, many are finding that they just can’t find work or maintain their standard of living where they currently live. It’s especially bad in New York and California, two places where the economy is suffering and the cost of living remains high. Many of these financial refugees are ending up in Texas, a place where the cost of living is low. And many of those that are relocating are in the very lowest income bracket, a further indication that money is their motivation for moving.

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Job Interview Etiquette

Ross Bonander — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 23:43:12 +0000

Photo: aaronsnitzer

So, your resume has gotten you a job interview; it’s the first big step toward the job you want. When your interview begins, however, job skills become secondary. You’re now being interviewed largely on the kind of person you are. Your resume tells people who you are, but your manners — good or bad — show them.

the “e” word

Don’t panic over the “E” word. Etiquette is nothing more than the grand set of all good manners. Put simply, etiquette is a language used to relate your respect and consideration to others. For the sake of this article, the “others” are the interviewers of the world, the ones who typically matter no more (or less) than anyone else in our lives, until one day when, instantly, their opinion of us matters most.

Therefore, the day of your interview is not the time to appear uncouth, disrespectful or inconsiderate by violating any of the following etiquette tips.

Be punctual

Like anyone at work, your interviewer is in the midst of a busy workday. Show them that their time is valuable to you — after all, aren’t they showing you that same respect with this chance to come in and present yourself off of the printed resume page?

Being late tells others that you’re self-centered, disorganized, rude or all three (qualities only sought after by the recruiters of reality television). So, unless you’re seeking a spot on the next The Real World, leave home with plenty of time to account for delays that are beyond your control.

Dress accordingly

At an interview, proper etiquette dictates that your manner of dress should by and large fit in with the scene around you, but in a show of respect for the occasion, you should dress just a step above the norm of that environment. The reason is because inappropriate business attire — in either direction, up or down — creates an unacceptable distraction. When the focus should be on you and all your skills, your clothes shouldn’t be stealing the show.

Take note of that handshake

A handshake is a physical interaction. At an interview, it’s a physical interaction between strangers, making it a prime moment for etiquette. A firm handshake — in which you pump the hand once or twice with a secure, steady grip, then release — conveys affability and openness, and can create an immediate feeling of comfort between two people.

On the other hand, a meek, milky handshake or a flesh-grinding cinch can make a person uncomfortable. Before they have the chance to get to know you, you’ve already given them an unpleasant feeling. Making people comfortable around you is an essential aim of all etiquette. Think about it: Do you really want to make your interviewer uncomfortable?

Present a positive personal image

During the job interview, countless moments will come up when etiquette is required. Getting them right gives you a confidence visible to your interviewer. Enunciate, as well as animate, your language. An interviewer shouldn’t have to ask you to repeat yourself or wonder if they heard you right.

Look the interviewer in the eye. It’s a trusting gesture to which people always respond positively. Anything else is simply rude. Use engaging, non-threatening body language. Good posture alone can convey your interest in being there, while slouching conveys disrespect and indifference.

Use your interviewer’s name, but in moderation. It proves you’re involved and listening. It also helps establish rapport, which goes a long way in making for a successful interview.

Thank them “twice”

At the end of the interview, when you will invariably thank your interviewer, make sure to thank them both for their time as well as for the opportunity. Much like arriving on time, thanking them in this way sends a message that you understand and appreciate the value of one’s time.

Don’t consider the interview completely over until, that evening, you have written a short thank you note. Keep it short. E-mail is acceptable but snail mail is preferred. Since this is a business communication, it shouldn’t be handwritten.

3 definite “don’ts”

Don’t get caught unprepared

Learning as much as you can about the company and about the position for which you’re applying is a sign of respect. As simple as it sounds, don’t forget that your interviewer works for this company; it’s a big part of this person’s life. Therefore, a modest but competent display of your commitment to this interview through prior research makes you look good while flattering them at the same time.

Don’t disparage past employers

If you can’t say something nice about someone, don’t say anything. It’s disrespectful to take shots at former employers and companies (in part because they’re not around to defend themselves), and doing so can seem cheap and offensive to others.

Furthermore, the interview is about you and about this company, and how you fit together; don’t leave your interviewer with descriptions of former bosses and coworkers who have nothing to do with it.

Don’t lie — about anything

For all the many reasons not to lie or to wildly embellish anything, remember that a gentleman never lies. He doesn’t need to.

The bottom line

In their many publications over the years, the Post family (they who man the Emily Post Institute of etiquette) have pointed out that, all told, good manners actually tend to go unnoticed. What’s noticed is their result: a smooth and enjoyable social connection between people.

What’s impossible to miss, however, is the lack of etiquette. In this case, you want to leave the interviewer thinking about how friendly, intelligent and engaging you are — not how obnoxious you are, what a ridiculously painful handshake you give or what you were thinking when you put on your dirtiest jeans before leaving the house.

Job Interview Etiquette Provided by AskMen.

Earning Power: A Visual Survey of 80 Occupations

WallStats.com — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:00:17 +0000

As part of our efforts to provide you with creative ways to improve your finances, we have featured a couple of examples of how a radical change – such as moving to a new city – can lead to new opportunities, or at the very least a reduced cost of living. You may have seen our guide to the Best and Worst Places to Work by Salary, and this is a more comprehensive follow-up, which includes a total of 80 jobs, with a comparison of the lowest, average and highest paying cities for each respective occupation. Please note that, due to the diverse range of regional and specialized industries throughout the US, cost of living often isn’t always as much of a factor as you might think in determining your salary, so these figures are not adjusted for cost of living.

For more personal finance visualizations see: WallStats.com

Follow the Money: The Best and Worst Places to Work by Average Salary

WallStats.com — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:33:45 +0000

Not happy with your present salary? Wondering what city holds the gold at the end of the rainbow? We’ve done the research for you. Above you will find the lowest, average, and highest incomes by profession in the USA. So before you move to Scranton for that writing job, take a look above.

Next: Computers and Mathematics

6 Steps to Relocating for Work

Dimitri A.C. Ly — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:42:03 +0000

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If you’re struggling with your job search and feel you’ve exhausted every lead provided by your local network, it may be time for you to broaden your horizons. The world is a big place filled with lots of opportunities; why would you limit your career options to a single city? Of course, when we suggest that you relocate to find work, we’re not suggesting that you just pack a duffel bag and set off into the great unknown. Relocating to find work demands careful planning, especially if you have a family. These six steps will aid you in your long-distance job search as you contemplate a new life abroad.

1- Research your target locations

The first thing you need to do before you relocate to find work is figure out what areas best fit your personal and professional needs. For example, a rural town known for its farming community may not be the best target location for a software engineer who’s allergic to hay. Climate, culture and cost of living are all important factors to consider, and there are a number of online resources, such as AM’s destination archive, that can aid you in your research. You should also seek counsel from your contacts abroad, if only to let them know you’re looking to relocate to find work.

2- Determine your job opportunities

Once you’ve selected a few locations and advised your extended network that you’re willing to relocate to find work, assemble a list of job prospects, making sure to include recruiting agencies and companies with branches near you. You can get this information online by visiting area-specific job-search websites or by searching through your target city’s virtual phone book. Don’t be shy about cold-calling potential employers to see if they have an opening. You can even offer to do a preliminary phone interview to spare yourself an unnecessary trip.

3- Investigate the legal requirements

Should you land a position overseas, it’s imperative that you acquire all the necessary permits and visas before your official date of employment. That’s why you should always start the legal process as early as possible when you relocate to find work. Determine every document and authorization you’ll need to start a new job in your target location, and draw up the paperwork in advance. Keep in mind, however, that you may not be able to complete this task until an employer has made you an official offer.

4- Establish a budget and timetable

If you followed our previous tips on how to relocate to find work, you should have all the information required to establish a comprehensive strategy for your job hunt. Your strategy will largely deal with determining when you hope to move and how much money you can set aside for travel expenses, security deposits, unforeseen complications, and of course, long-distance communication. Keep in mind that it may take you longer than you expect to secure a position, so make sure you can afford your rent or mortgage in both your old and new locations if need be.

5- Plan an initial recon trip

Don’t rely solely on long-distance research to select your new location. There’s only so much you can learn through internet articles and third-party accounts. That’s why it’s important to visit your target city at least once before you relocate to find work. You need to make sure the area suits your personal needs as well as your professional ones, so try to get a sense of the culture, and make a point of checking out housing. You should also schedule your trip to coincide with a local career fair if you can, and try to fit in a few job interviews.

6- Plan a second logistics trip

At this point, you should be confident of where you want to relocate to find work. The purpose of this second expedition is to finalize any remaining details regarding the logistics of your move and to secure a worthy job offer. As such, you should contact every employer and recruiter on your list of prospects and set up as many formal interviews as possible in order to spare yourself multiple trips. Don’t be afraid to ask whether the company is willing to pay for your travel expenses, but make it clear that you’re making an inquiry, not a request.

Broadening your career horizons

These six tips will help you relocate to find work. However, you should keep in mind that long-distance job hunts are usually uphill battles. Employers are often reluctant to even consider candidates from out of town because of their limited availability for job interviews and the cost of their eventual relocation, should they be selected. That’s why it’s important that you remain flexible in your objectives. Don’t dismiss any offer before giving it careful consideration, and always keep your options open. You’re about to start a new life, after all.

Provided by AskMen.