Google Insights Reveals Economic Woes

On my regular blog Caffeine Security, you'll frequently see me leveraging Google tools to do some pretty amazing things.

Today I'm going to leverage one of these same tools, Google Insights, and produce some very eye opening data using the following search terms: file unemployment, laid off, lost job, and apply for food stamps.

I've heard people say over the past few years that the economy is getting better.  I've heard that unemployment is getting better.

Unfortunately Google Insights doesn't agree.  It shows an increase in search volume by people in need since mid-2008.  A sharp spike occurred in January of 2009, and most searches have remained high ever since.


Below is an embedded Google Insights chart of several Google searches which have been rising over the past few years.



You can tell these search terms are related, since there are spikes in activity at the same time.

If you'd like to view the full Google Insights results and modify it to your own searches, please visit this link.

Resume and Interview Tips Updated

I've updated the Resume and Interview Tips page with some great new resources.

Resources include:

Creating an Effective Resume - Free Video Training Tutorial
The course covers how to build a resume that encompasses action statements, keywords, styling, and effective content, while addressing common stumbling blocks such as handling employment gaps and career changes. Framing the resume as a vital component of a personalized marketing campaign, Mariann shows how to conduct employer research and utilize keyword optimization techniques to increase a resume's potential of being found by employers and recruiters on resume banks and job sites. Also included are tips on writing cover letters and thank-you notes. Exercise files accompany the course.

Learn LinkedIn: How to Build your Living Resume
In this manual, you will see how to set yourself up on LinkedIn (if you haven't already), establish your account, and develop your “living resume” in an easy step by step process. This manual will also go over the must-know tips and information to ensure you don't make any mistakes and will provide some new tricks for the more seasoned LinkedIn user. Also with this manual you will receive daily updates on new cool websites and programs in your email for free, courtesy of MakeUseOf.

and also...

12 Hiring Manager Secrets to Getting the IT Job You Want
Think about this the next time you're interviewing for a job. Your interviewer WANTS to hire you! Get into your hiring manager's head and understand what he/she really wants to know so they can take the next step and hire you. Learn how you can make yourself a more attractive candidate now with PrepLogic's free 12 Hiring Manager Secrets to Getting the Job You Want. 

5 Reasons Why You Never Hear Back After Applying For A Job

BusinessInsider has a great article on why you might not hear back after applying for a job.

It's a good read, and I encourage you to check it out, even if you aren't currently actively looking for a new job.

DICE Holding Virtual Career Fair May 30

Just received the following from DICE, thought I would share it with everyone.

Dice Technology & Engineering Virtual Career Fair –
East Coast
Next event: May 30th, 10am-3pm ET

The Dice Technology & Engineering Virtual Career Fair is an online career fair where local job seekers and employers can interact with each other in a live, 3-D virtual environment. Our virtual career fair provides the opportunity for:
• Live conversations between recruiters and candidates via instant chat and/or webcam.
• The uploading and submission of candidate resumes for various job listings.
• Interaction with fellow attendees in the Networking Lounge.
• Integration with Facebook, Twitter & LinkedIn: search for connections and update your status within the event.

Register at http://www.dicevirtualeast.com/

IT Certification Roadmap

CompTIA has posted an excellent interactive roadmap showing which IT certifications are designed for certain career paths.  This roadmap covers certifications beyond CompTIA, including SANS and (ISC)^2

I encourage you to check it out at CompTIA