Get ahead of expiring unemployment with these job search tips
It's no secret that many people who are out of work are currently receiving more money from #unemployment benefits than they did working. Some economists estimate that over 66% of people on unemployment are making more now than they did at work. This bump in pay is primarily due to Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC), which gave workers an extra $600 per week in 2020 on top of the unemployment benefit they’d typically receive.
In 2021, FPUC was reduced to $300 per week and extended until September 6, 2021.
So why not just stay home and collect more money, reduce your potential exposure to #Coronavirus, and wait it out? While this may sound tempting, postponing a job search may not be that great of a strategy when it comes to finding a job.
3 advantages to starting your job search TODAY
Get ahead of expiring unemployment benefits
The extra $300 per week that you may have been receiving in FPUC on top of the usual unemployment benefit will end on September 6, 2021. Each states has its own method for calculating its normal (non-pandemic) unemployment benefits, but the average unemployment payment across the U.S. is approximately 50% of your former pay. The unemployment insurance program was not designed to replace your income. Unemployment insurance partially replaces the wages you lost while you take the time to find another job.
So starting September 6th, you can expect your unemployment benefits to shrink significantly.
Find an edge on the competition and get yourself ready
There are record numbers of people, over 43 million, who have filed for unemployment since March 2020, which from a job-search perspective, means that the competition for jobs just got a lot tougher. To give yourself an edge, here are a couple of options you can act on now:
☀️The early bird gets the worm 🐛
- Be the first to apply
Early applicants are more likely to get hired. Get ahead of the pack by starting your search now - don’t wait for those benefits to expire! The Find a Job Now Resource Center is available right here on Jobcase to help you get your job search started ASAP.
“Employers like when candidates show that they’re informed because it helps the company save valuable time throughout the hiring process”
- Ruth Umoh, CNBC
- ** Be better prepared for your job search than the rest**
Being prepared shows potential employers that you’re ready to tackle the job, and increases your chances of being hired. Preparation does take time, but Jobcase has Tips to Get Hired as a resource to help prepare you for each phase of your job search.
Consider new job opportunities and working differently
If you look hard enough, you just might be able to see a silver lining during this pandemic.
Yes, some jobs are tougher to come by with closures and new restrictions, but the good news is that there are jobs available - and lately employers are paying more! Grocery store jobs, delivery drivers, and #foodservices, are all roles that are #hiringnow.
If remote work is something you are considering, employers are now looking at work from home (WFH) in a new light. Remote work is a good way to reduce the spread of COVID-19, cut down company expenses, and keep employees happy. This means that employers may be more open to the possibility of working from home, and in some cases shifting positions entirely to remote work.
Visit Jobcase's Work From Home Resource Center for hiring news and expert tips on how to find - and land - a remote job
WFH jobs in customer service, data entry, and much more are available right here - learn how to search for these opportunities in this 15 second video
Not totally sure where to start? Even a small step is a good step. Take a look at the Getting Hired Resource Center to learn more.
What are your thoughts on job hunting right now?
Share your perspective in the comments below.
Comments
Rhetoric, if there were actually jobs that pay more than a child's wage. You show them to us. Not lot worker at a box company for 9.00 an hour. Ceos need to take less money and pay thier workers a LIVING WAGE.
Hey any know this week I try to weekly claim benefit when I certify after 24 hours system saying do it again today is fourth day I claim after 24 hours system say do it again I try to call unemployment office no one pickup. What should I do. I make about 7 emails no one solve my problem If some one know please tell me thanks in advance
My thought is as soon as Hannaford's puts the plexiglass up in the cafe I will be back to work and not a moment to soon!!!
I've been looking for work still havent received any call back on any of the jobs I apply for. It's cn on line everyday putting applications in and no luck and yall can sit there n saying running out of time I've had much trouble drawing unemployment with yall. I havent helped Me I'm struggling here n yall want to say my unemployment is running out wow cant get noone to return ur calls when you call for help with unemployment wow all yall think of is are we all looking for a job yes I have
I was furloughed in May as well. Hit the ground running when I received a letter just 3 days later from my employer stating they were terminating my position and if they rehired for it that I could reapply after 2 years. (Turns out a 2 yr break in service is the mark for losing seniority, pay level, etc) They rehired for my position immediately - at the entry level. I landed a temporary position and have had 27 interviews in 10 weeks, however; the responses have all been “you’re overqualified” and it’s expensive to hire people that won’t stay. Still searching...
Honest just receive $148 with the $600 I can pay my bills without it I'm stuck!;👩👧👧😪
Help like this is hard to come by looking for a job to match my income isn't quite that easy. Hopefully we can over come that with what you have to offer.
What if we are returning to school. Will our regular benefits continue and will we have to look for work still if we are in school?
Correct
I’ve been unemployed for 2 weeks now. I have applied to 30 jobs and not one offer. I had my resume professionally done. Pray this works.