Las Vegas Unemployment Still High
Despite Visitor Traffic

As with most major cities, Las Vegas Jobs are decreasing amidst fears of revenue losses by employers. This has had devastating effects on jobs and doesn't seem to be letting up.

Even with all the uncertainty and change coming in the next six months, some people are optimistic about the future with Senator Barrack Obama in the White House.

Barrack Obama has made it known, loud and clear, change is coming and there is hope for all Americans who contribute to the future of America.

That is a far cry from what has happened prior to the election; simply look at the economic indicators and the stock market.

Slowdown continues to affect jobs

On another note, nationally first-time job applications actually decreased by 4,000 applicants this last week ending on October 31, 2008. What is important to pay attention to are aggregate trends nationally as well as in Clark County, Nevada.

Many Las Vegas employers are either laying off employees or simply cutting back on the number of full-time hours their employees work.

One disturbing fact on a national level is employers are trying to reduce operating costs as we wait to pull out of this economic downtown.
                                                             
Las Vegas construction firms have taken a big hit with the significant decline of housing projects and overall decreases and delays with new commercial development projects.

Recent figures show payrolls dropped by over 200,000 and the unemployment rate rose by 6.3% across the United States. Las Vegas employers closely mirror these statistics but, surprisingly we are at a statewide unemployment rate of approximately 7.5%. For people who are unemployed, many can qualify for unemployment benefits.

Future holds hope for unemployed

While businesses in manufacturing and service based industries scramble to deal with overhead costs, it’s important to remember the cyclical nature of economics and the power of the US Gross National Product (GNP).

Obviously, people still need consumable items and while durable goods are on the decline, it might surprise you that there are growth spurts in job opportunities in certain (public and private) government and education jobs.

Fortunately for Nevada, there are still many service sector jobs still here, especially in Southern Nevada.

Unemployment benefits last for 26 weeks and there are certain criteria by which you may qualify. However, on a positive note, there is currently a federal program that can give you up to an additional 13 weeks of unemployment coverage; for a total of 39 weeks. 

Typically, unemployment benefits run out after 26 weeks for those who are eligible. A federal law extends unemployment benefits for an extra 13 weeks under the separate federal program.

Benefits are generally available for those former employees who have been laid-off due to slow downs and cut-backs.

For those unemployed now is a good time to strategize for seeking new employment and applying for jobs despite the downturn.

The key is to have a plan in place and take action on getting your resume into jobsites and ultimately into employers hands.

If you would like to get your resume in front of Las Vegas based employers, please sign up for a free membership with Las Vegas Jobs NV and take advantage of all the job search tool available.

Continued success on your job search.

Michael G. Perry is the Senior Editor of LasVegasJobsNV.com Michael can be reached through the website at www.lasvegasjobsnv.com .