U.S. Economy Update

The economy gained back 2.5 million jobs in May, primarily from workers going back to jobs, according to the most recent Employment Situation released Friday from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), after falling by 20.5 million jobs in April. Nearly 22 million Americans are out of work, according to those receiving weekly unemployment benefits, and job cuts announced by US-based employers are at a record high, according to tracking from global outplacement and executive coaching firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc. (Related: Employers Announce 397,016 Job Cuts in May, Nearly 1M Cuts Due to COVID-19.)

“Now, more than ever, Americans need help navigating the job market. The nation is experiencing 13.3% unemployment. College grads are entering one of the worst job markets in a lifetime. Veterans’ unemployment is at 9% while the unemployment rate for people of color is hovering near 16%,” said Andrew Challenger, Senior VP of Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc.

“We are dedicated to using our resources to try to help Americans who find themselves in an unexpected job loss prepare for the search, especially during these uncertain times,” he added.

On Monday, June 15th, Wednesday June 17th, and Friday June 19th, Challenger experts will offer free job search webinars to the general public at 10:30 a.m. CT. (Due to the number of participants, please login 10-15 minutes early.) These 90 minute-long sessions will include tips and strategies on writing resumes, acing interviews, developing a strong LinkedIn presence, and finding positions.

The registration link is: https://challengergray.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_035K8ZKDQQi20-YI2ir6wg

Participants can find the registration on all of Challenger’s social media channels: Twitter | LinkedIn | Facebook

Those who are interested can also email press@challengergray.com for more information.

These webinars will not place job seekers with new employers, nor can our experts answer individual questions during or after the meeting, review individual resumes or point participants to specific opportunities. However, our coaches can give participants time-tested strategies and proven processes to land their next roles. These webinars afford anyone the opportunity to get some guidance from our experts in the job search.

The webinars are being offered in addition to the firm’s annual Job Search Hotline held over two days in December. Last year’s hotline, the firm’s 34th annual, helped over 500 callers with their job searches.

As an outplacement firm, Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc. provides job-search training and transition counseling to individuals who have been laid off. The firm’s services are typically available only to those who receive outplacement benefits from their former employers. The webinars, along with the firm’s annual Hotline, are the only time the general public can take advantage of Challenger’s job-search expertise.