We came across this infographic created by MBAProgramInfo.com which highlights the issue of jobs and unemployment very well. The infographic is laid out well and has enough information to give us an idea as to why we are losing jobs to other countries. For example, hiring a software engineer in India is relatively cheaper as compared to one in US. They speak english and they are relatively skilled. India currently stands at the very top in terms of US jobs being outsourced.

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Image Source: MBAProgramInfo.com

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Must be very frustrating looking for employment options but keeps getting slapped in the face with ‘Degree Required’? Let’s face it. College graduates are employed at much higher rates than non-degree holders. In fact, actual statistics show:

The overall unemployment rates are hovering around 10 percent (last reported by US Bureau of Labor Statistics at 9.8% on November 2010). From these figures, only 4.5 percent of college graduates are unemployed.

With that, you don’t need to be an economist to conclude that completing some form of higher education is the best insurance against unemployment.

Online courses have been around for nearly two decades, but enrollment has soared dramatically only in the recent years as universities become way too expensive. More than 5.6 million students were taking at least one online course during the fall 2009 term, that’s close to 1 million increase versus the reported figures in 2008.

Virtual learning indeed began taking the internet and campuses by storm in the past few years. You now have a choice between the traditional mode of learning and learning within the comforts of your home. Like many things in life, taking college courses online can have both advantages and disadvantages.

The Rewards:

Learning Can be Done Anywhere

Online degree programs allow you to learn from home or practically in any place that has internet access. Talk of convenience and the tons of time saved. You can practically watch and listen to lectures, do homework, write papers, communicate with your instructors and classmates and even take your exams without all the traditional rituals.

Cut Huge Costs

With the ability to study from home, you can take out your carpool budget or bus fare expenses from your list. With prices of almost anything now soaring beyond control, learning materials that can be downloaded for free or at a very low cost is definitely a better option if your want to hold on to your cash. Comparatively, fees for online degree programs are also lower compared to campus degree courses.

Earn More than One Degree at the Same Time

If you are good in managing your time, you can even earn more than one degree. This puts you on a better position as far as career advancement or job promotion goes.

Be in Touch with Technology

Being able to understand the functions and advantages of technology tools might be the leading edge you could need to advance your position, or get a job in the first place. Virtual education can reach students who are not that too acquainted with these types of technology, allowing you to possibly add a new skill set to the resume you are building. Read the rest of this entry »

If you’ve ever wondered why most businesses outsource their work to foreign countries, this infograph might help you answer the question. While browsing the web we came across Fixr.com, a home remodeling and renovation marketplace and we counldn’t help but share this image that shows the shocking disparities of labor cost.

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Source: FixR

It’s obvious that many small businesses aren’t in a position to hire in this economy. However, one business (Plaza Cleaners) is trying to help the unemployed indirectly. We are not sure where the business is located. If you have any information on them, please let us know.

Update : Based on all the comments, the business shown in the picture above is located in Portland, Oregon. Their website can be found at PlazaCleaners.

via reddit

I often find myself saying – I wish I lived in California. But that’s about to change. As most of us already know California has gone deep, and by deep I mean deeeeeep in debt. They are trying to find ways to keep their head above water and are coming with every possible ways to do so. Recently, they ran a “Great California Garage Sale” which took place on Aug 28 and 28, 2009. Although many were mocking their ideas, it seems to have paid off as they raised $1.6 million in sales. Read the rest of this entry »

The $787.2 billion economic stimulus bill was enacted to save jobs, create jobs, and breathe hope into a nation mired in a deep recession, but the vast majority of the money is still waiting to be spent. But here are 7 industries that are poised to put the money to good use pronto (and might give you the opportunity to do the same). Read the rest of this entry »

Due to rising unemployment, many people are forced to depend on government assistance as is evidenced by an increase in government spending on welfare and pensions. Take a quick peek at this infograph to see the four sectors where the US government has spent the most since 2005.

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Does this increase in government spending make its way to you?  Let us know in the comments.

Here at applicant.com, we are always busy. Whether it is finding ways to help job seekers or looking into the future to see what the future holds for our children as far as job search goes. Yesterday we had a chance to take a look into the future. Thanks to our dear friend at Social Media Observatory, they allowed us to change the settings on the time machine and gave a peak into what the future looks like. Before we go any further, we would like to warn you that what’s coming in future certainly looks scary but we are sure you would love to take a look at it. Read the rest of this entry »

The job search landscape has certainly changed. With unemployment rate at record high of 9.5% job seekers are definitely taking a different route to being noticed. Yesterday while browsing the web we came across a link that showed a picture of one such job hunter. Determined to grab attention from potential employer Leah Hannah went to streets with a sign and copies of resumes in her hand ready to go. We certainly hope Leah lands a job soon. A job seeker this gutsy and ready to take an unconventional approach to job searching certainly deserves a chance.

Good luck Leah!

If you are on twitter, please use the hashtag #hireleah.

source

All workers who are covered by the Federal Labor Standards Act will be eligible for a $7.25 per hour minimum pay starting July 24th. The new minimum wage will be $0.70 higher than the previous wage of $6.55 which was implemented on July 24th 2008. Below you will find a brief history of Federal Minimum Wage which shows a $7.00 increment in Federal Minimum Wage since 1938.

Year	Federal Minimum Wage
1938	0.25
1939	0.3
1945	0.4
1950	0.75
1956	1
1961	1.15
1963	1.25
1967	1.4
1968	1.6
1974	2
1975	2.1
1976	2.3
1978	2.65
1979	2.9
1980	3.1
1981	3.35
1990	3.8
1991	4.25
1996	4.75
1997	5.15
2007	5.85
2008	6.55
2009	7.25

This increment in the Federal Minimum Wage is said to increase a full time worker’s paycheck by $120 each month. Read the rest of this entry »