Tough Questions from 2009 Job Seekers

If you have been reading my posts here on Career Hub since I started contributing three-plus years ago, you know that I make lists of random stuff. Throughout 2009, I have been asked some tough questions by job seekers...most of them questions I haven't been asked in prior years. As 2009 draws to a close, I thought I would post a few of these FAQ's from job seekers:

1. Where can I find a job?

2. How long will it take me to find a job?

3. When will some new jobs be created?

4. How can I stand out when 200 or 300 people are applying for the same job?

5. How will I pay my insurance, house/car payment when I don't have a job?

6. Is anyone listening to today's job seeker besides people like you who are getting paid for it?

7. Does anyone really care that there are millions of people who don't have a job?

8. When will things get back to normal?

9. I need help but I don't have money to pay you...what should I do?

If you follow my posts, you know that I'm a very upbeat, optimistic, always-looking-on-the-bright-side-no-matter-what-sort of person. That said, these are simply real questions from real people who really want to get back to work. They're of all ages, all backgrounds, educated, smart, capable, and talented people asking tough questions in 2009.

cross-posted at billiesucherblog

Comments

[Norine Dagliano]

What a heart-wrenching post. I could feel the pain in each of these questions - the job seekers as well as yours (knowing how badly you want to help.) I'd add this to the list: "How will I ever explain why I got fired (aka: Laid-off/downsized)? After 20+ years with the company, I thought I was secure."

[Melissa]

I know those were many of the questions we had when my husband was laid off and job hunting this year.

Thank you for posting this. While the optimistic point of view that you bring to your writing is important, I think it's also good to once in a while validate (as you've done here) that this is a situation unlike any we've seen for quite some time.

[billiesucher]

Norine, yes, that is another question heard frequently. Thank you for adding it here in your comment. Appreciate it, as always!

Melissa, thank you for your thoughts...I am so glad that your husband is back at work...I keep up a little bit through your posts. Thanks again for your thoughts!

[uk jobs advice]

Pls. answer this question(6),Is anyone listening to today's job seeker besides people like you who are getting paid for it? I'm unable to understand this question.