Posted By: Catherine Kim ~ January 8, 2009

ATLANTA -- When it comes to unemployment, Georgia tops the national average at 7.5 percent. Unemployment in Georgia is at its highest level in 16 years. For the thousands of people still struggling to find jobs, we went in search of tips to get you started.

Experts say the Georgia Department of Labor should be your starting point. "Our career centers in many parts of the state are being overwhelmed by unemployed Georgians," said Commissioner Michael Thurmond with the state Department of Labor.

Today was no exception. 70 percent more people are flooding into the department's career centers at a time when the Labor Department's budget is being slashed by 10 percent. Commissioner Thurmond says the systems are stressed, working at capacity everyday. "We are entering what I believe is the teeth of the recession. As difficult as it has been, I think the more difficult days are head of us."

Just this week, the American Institute for Full Employment honored the state's Department of Labor, naming it as one of the nation's leaders in helping the unemployed find employment. Thurmond says workers are putting in 10 hour shifts, some working overtime, 5 days a week, and even into the weekends. But Thurmond says it's still not enough.

"We brought back retirees, temporary workers, obviously juggling schedules using more technology, expanding some of our career centers, at least temporarily. We're setting up transition centers in some of the plants that are closing."

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

But as hundreds of thousands of Georgia's unemployed struggle through what Thurmond calls "the Great Recession," for those like Davonn Pyatt, the question is no longer how to update his resume, or what to wear to interview, but how to stand out -- to be the one to get the job? "I still haven't found a job. I've been looking constantly," said Pyatt, who worked as a courier at Emory University's Healthcare system.

"Look, everyone has a strong resume and a perfect blue suit. And they have interviewing skills. So the question is how do I separate myself. I would go into a Career Center and ask about the Georgia Works Program. It allows you to receive unemployment insurance benefits and receive on the job training while you're receiving benefits for up to 8 weeks," said the Commissioner.

Recruiter Melissa Van Putten says exhaust every job search website, attend job fairs, network, and find a recruiter or a temp agency to just get your foot in the door. You can go to websites like www.careerbuilder.com or www.indeed.com, which pulls from countless job websites and company job pages.

But once you do get an interview, Van Putten points out the rest amounts to preparation, persistence, patience, and how you "market" your skills.

"Everyone says they are a team player, they are detailed oriented, that they are hard worker. Those are great things to say, but say why are you a team player, how are you a team player. Give an example of , in my last job, I was a team player because I did this, that, and the other," said Van Putten, who has been a recruiter for more than 15 years.

Van Putten says at the end of your interview make it clear, you want the job. She says it's also crucial to follow up your interview with a "thank you" note.

"You'd be surprised," said Van Putten. "I know employers who have based their decision on that, given the candidates had the same credentials, same skills."

If your own networking and search efforts fail, don't be afraid to find a recruiter. All reputable recruiters are free. The companies who are hiring pay the fee.

While you look for a permanent job, utilize a temp agency, look for temporary work or freelance. Van Putten says in many cases, temporary positions can lead to full-time jobs.

To find a reputable recruiter, who specializes within your field of work, you can go to www.jobconnection.com.

But that begs the question, where should you draw the line? Should you look for jobs outside your field or industry? What amount of income is too low?

"Be open-minded," said Van Putten. "This may not be your dream job...but right now, it's important to get a job first."

Commissioner Thurmond recommends updating your skills, getting the required certificates by going back to school or attending a training session.

Van Putten adds if you don't have the money to go back to school or to take a class, she says to make your resume more general and get rid of industry terms. "You have make it clear your skills are transferrable, usable in a different field."

But what about income? Van Putten says it's important to stay within a $5,000 range of your current income. Don't just jump at a low paying job because it's the first one to come your way. "I certainly think there is still a reasonable range that a candidate should consider. I certainly don't think a $40,000 candidate should accept a $25,000 job," said Van Putten. "I do think there might be a $5,000 range that they might need to take one step backwards. But more than that makes for an unhappy employee" and could in the long-run hurt you.

Commissioner Thurmond says as a rule of thumb, it takes one month for every $10,000 you want to make to find a job. For example, it would take 4 months to find a $40,000 job. It could possibly take 7 months for a job with a $70,000 income.

(Taken from http://www.11alive.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=125403&catid=3)