CBS 6 Answers Team: Career and Jobs (Week 2)

JOBS

Dan Moran
Founder and president, Next-Act (Albany, NY), a career management company
518-261-4212

Below are some of the questions that were sent to Answers Team member Dan Moran during Wednesday's live chat. Check back for more from the Answers Team in the coming weeks!

CBS 6 VIEWER: Is it too early to predict what the job market will be looking like a year from now? I graduate from college with a bachelor's degree in 12 months and post-graduation job prospects are a concern.
DAN MORAN: Good question -- we are in a tight market for recent grads today but that is expected to be better in June of 2009. We should be through (I hope) this slump in the economy so your prospect may be better. What type of job will you be looking for and what is your major?

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CBS 6 VIEWER: My husband was laid off from an auto dealer yesterday. What is the best thing to do right away, while we try to figure out the options?
A-TEAM DM: That is too bad. Most important -- don't panic. Take the time now to put together a plan from a financial perspective so you know what actions you need to take there. Also your husband should make a list of the people he knows (that's networking) so he can reach out to them. Then -- contact everyone and let them know what type of job he is looking for. This is not the time to be shy. What did he do at the dealership?

He might want to consider not just looking at a parts manager job but perhaps in another area where he can use his customer service skills, inventory management skills and other skill she has developed. This way to can use this opportunity to look at new career options and not be limited to only what he has done in the past. I also agree - no need to be desperate; this is the time to make the right decision on his future. Good luck and if you have another question let me know.

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CBS 6 VIEWER: How long is unemployment?
A-TEAM DM: It is now 26 week plus an extended benefit period of 13 additional weeks for a total of 39. This may be extended again.

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CBS 6 VIEWER: Does a resume have to be one page long?
A-TEAM DM: No - not really. A two page resume is fine - just be sure you take the time and space to fully explain your experience and skills. Good luck.