Posted on Mar 10, 2010 by David DeWitte.

Unemployment in the Cedar Rapids metro area leapt in January, as job cuts in retail, trade and transportation hit workers.

The January unemployment figure rose to 7.3 percent in the Cedar Rapids Metropolitan Statistical Area, from 6.5 percent in December.

Iowa City Metropolitan Statistical Area unemployment increased to 5.1 percent from 4.6 percent in December.

Unemployment barely rose statewide, edging to 6.6 percent from 6.5 percent in December. The release of the January numbers was delayed by an annual reconciliation of 2009 unemployment statistics.

The total number of unemployed workers statewide increased by 1,200 in January to 111,000, while the overall number of working Iowans increased by 2,600, to 1,570,200.

“Recent indicators show that confidence is beginning to rebuild among the state’s employers, which will gradually lead to hiring activity,” Iowa Workforce Development Director Elisabeth Buck said.

Trade and transportation jobs increased 3,400 in January statewide. That wasn’t the case in the Corridor, where many retail, trade and transportation jobs are concentrated.

Trade and transportation jobs slipped by 900 in the Cedar Rapids metro area from December to January, and by 700 jobs in the Iowa City metro area.

The economy is starting to turn around.  But there are still layoffs and uncertainty in the job market.  For you managers and executives out there, what are you doing to motivate employees?  Are you transparent enough?  Just some things to think about before the weekend.

Have a super Friday!

- Greg Schafer

Thought I would share a great quote today along with a book recommendation. Have a super day!

If you want to change an organization, you start by changing the patterns in which people talk together, the things they talk about, the frequency of their contact and the makeup of those who overhear them.” –Art Kleiner, Who Really Matters

Check out “Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us” by Daniel Pink.

From the Corridor Business Journal:

Increased levels in sales, capital spending, and employment projected for the coming six months has moved the first quarter Iowa Business Council (IBC) Overall Economic Outlook Survey Index to 54.3 – its first time in positive sentiment territory since the third quarter of 2008.

The index is more than six points higher than three months ago (47.7), and 19 points higher from one year ago (35.3). The survey was completed by the 20 corporate members of the Iowa Business Council during the second half of February, the results of which were released today.

The first quarter sales index is 58, eight points higher than last quarter and 20 points ahead of one year ago. Eighty percent of the CEOs expect steady or increased business activity over the next six months – substantially higher (5 percent), higher (45 percent) or no change (30 percent). Twenty percent of survey respondents expect sales levels to decrease – lower (15 percent) or substantially lower (5 percent).

The first quarter capital spending index is 55, which is six points above last quarter and 24 points higher than the same quarter a year ago. Eighty percent of IBC corporate members expect steady or increased capital spending levels through August – substantially higher (15 percent), higher (15 percent) or no change (50 percent). Twenty percent of survey respondents expect capital spending, i.e., investments in facilities and equipment, to decrease – lower (15 percent) or substantially lower (5 percent).

The first quarter employment index is 50, six points higher than three months ago and 13 points ahead of this same time last year. Eighty percent expect hiring levels for the next six months to remain steady or grow. While none forecasted is as substantially higher, 20 percent saw it as higher while 60 percent foresaw no change. Twenty percent expect employment needs to decrease – lower (20 percent), while none thought it would go substantially lower.

“The survey results are encouraging.  We are beginning to see a broader base of confidence amongst Iowa’s largest employers,” said Tom Aller, president of Interstate Power & Light, in the report. “Most certainly, issues remain about the strength of a recovery. There is also deep concern about the messages lawmakers are sending to companies that have an interest to locate or expand operations in Iowa.”

Thought I would provide the link for Bestsellers in Business & Investing on Amazon.com.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/bestsellers/books/3/ref=pd_ts_b_nav

I buy more books than I can read and need to get caught up before purchasing more but it’s always fun to shop.  My buddy has used the StrengthsFinder 2.0 online test for hiring purposes and says it is solid.

-Greg Schafer

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My close friend vowed that he would never join the  Facebook ranks.  Well, this week he is on the site and posting like crazy. So now I know that social media is popular.

Just remember when searching for a job, HR departments are looking at your Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn accounts and your comments and photos can make a difference between landing the job or staying on the couch.

Have a super weekend!

- Greg Schafer

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Found this list of things to help out during a long-term job search.  It can be tough keeping a positive attitude and this list may help:

While you should spend a respectable amount of time on your job search, you should take time away from it too. Find something you enjoy doing and spend a few hours a week doing it.

Take the time to do things you don’t have time to do while you’re working, i.e. spending time with your children during the week instead of only on weekends.  

Take on household chores you didn’t have time for when you were employed.

Volunteer. Find a project that can use your skills and talents and spend some time on it. Just be sure not to abandon it entirely when you find a job.

Learn a new skill. There are some free online courses available as well as low cost courses available through continuing education in your community.  

Go to a movie matinee. The crowds are much smaller and the prices are usually lower.

Join a job hunting support group like the ones listed on the Riley Guide. Share your experiences with others in the same situation and network.

Meet friends for lunch. 

Take long walks.

 Read. Borrow books from your public library.

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• Job Search Support Group (svmoms.com)

Alison’s Job Searching Blog

By Alison Doyle, About.com Guide to Job Searching

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• My Forum

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• : Millions of Unemployed Face Years Without Jobs (yzerfonteinchronicles.blogspot.com)

Let’s get a discussion going.

How many job seekers out there are looking for commission-based pay work?  And for employers, what percentage of your openings are commission based?

Have a super Wednesday!

- Greg Schafer, Gazette Recruitment Team