Month: September 2015

Why So Many Americans are Working Multiple Jobs

EmploycoUSA

New research from the Labor Department reveals that 1 in 20 Americans work multiple jobs. While that is the national average, several states have higher numbers than that. 8.7 percent of job holders in South Dakota work two jobs, followed by 8.5 percent of job holders in Vermont, and 8.4 percent in Nebraska.

“Currently, it is difficult to say whether or not these numbers point to a troubling economy or a solid economy,” says Rob Wilson, employment expert and CEO of Employco USA, “On the one hand, it illustrates that many Americans have to work two jobs in order to make ends meet, but on the other hand it also illustrates that people are able to find work.”

Still, Wilson believes it could be a troubling trend. “I believe that Obamacare could be partially behind American’s need to have multiple jobs,” he says, “Many employers balked at the idea of providing insurance to their full-time staff, so in order to skirt around the new rulings, they simply shaved hours off their employees’ schedules.”

Not only did this allow employers to avoid providing health insurance (as only firms with 50 or more full-time staff are required to provide insurance), but it also will allow them to navigate around other potential financial landmines.

“If the new overtime law goes into effect, shaving hours off employees’ schedules might become a must for companies who simply cannot afford to pay their staff these increased wages. Sadly, the people who suffer here are the average Americans—because they now have to find supplemental work just to make ends meet.”

New Research Reveals Americans’ Opinion of Employment 

EmploycoUSA

A recent survey from the American Staffing Association found that most Americans have little faith that they can find a better job than the one they currently have. As for unemployed Americans, hope is equally dim as 38 percent of able-bodied workers say that they do not believe they can find a job in the coming year.

CEO of Employco USA and employment expert Rob Wilson says, “According to the old adage, there is no job harder than trying to find a job, and that can be true even if you are already gainfully employed. Many Americans are miserable in their current positions, but they don’t want to waste their precious time off looking for another job if they have little hope their hard work will pay off.”

Wilson believes part of the problem is that the job search is so terrifying to many people. “Looking for a job can make you incredibly vulnerable,” he says, “Even a confident person can become depleted after a slew of unsuccessful interviews.”

His advice? Work smarter, not harder.

“If you use an employment agency, you can immediately tap into a world of connections and possibilities that would not otherwise be available to you,” says Wilson, “And these experts can be invaluable in helping you improve your resume and interview skills.”

Wilson also believes a shotgun approach isn’t the best way to go. “Don’t waste your time applying to 50 jobs just so you can feel accomplished,” he says, “Chances are most of those jobs aren’t a good fit for you, so all you have done is waste your time and the employer’s time. Instead, hone in on jobs that are specific to your skills and interests. It’s better to apply to one job a week rather than 50, if that one job could actually open doors for you.”

Lastly, Wilson thinks practice makes perfect. “There is no such thing as a wasted interview. Every interaction gives you a chance to fine-tune your skills and improve your communication.”

For more on Wilson’s job hunting tips or to speak to him further, please contact me.