CAREER PROS: Overcoming Long-Term Joblessness

Recent government statistics show that almost 43 percent of Americans who are currently unemployed have been so for more than 27 weeks. More than six months without a steady paycheck could lead anyone to feel frustrated, depressed, helpless and afraid.

If you're currently unemployed or if you've experienced a job loss in the past then you will know how hard it is to get a new job. Jobs, especially good jobs are very hard to come by. With the feeble state of the economy today, companies are much less likely to be hiring a lot of people. This is why, if you've just experienced a loss of income due to a job loss you're probably not going to find a job by tomorrow.

It is true that there are signs of improvement in our economy these numbers are deceiving for skilled and higher paying positions. Some companies are expressing their interest in only passive job seekers or those who have been unemployed for less than three months. Why are these companies making it even tougher for the long term unemployed to re-enter the job market? Let's look at some of the thinking that goes into these decisions.

First, you'll want to know what options are at your disposal. The U.S Federal Government through its Department of Labor actually provides unemployed help. If you apply and are found to be qualified by your state's standards you will be entitled to a monthly allowance for six months. Read more.....