CENTRAL OHIO -- There are some sobering reports out on U.S. unemployment Thursday. According to the Labor Department, employers cut 467,000 jobs in June.
That brings the national unemployment rate to 9.5 percent -- a 26-year high.
Combine that with an employment rate in Ohio nearing 11 percent and it's clear there are plenty of folks out there looking for work.
Some turn to the classified ads in the paper, some to the Internet and others to job coaches.
These days, you don't hear about too many businesses that are surviving, let alone thriving in this economic climate.
Worthington Career Services on Columbus' North Side, though, is one of them.
Janice Worthington is a career coach and has been for 37 years.
"We're always busy because when times are good, people think the grass is greener," she said. "When times are challenging people want an edge."
She said many people who are searching for a job today are going about it with the same mindset they had the last time they were in this position -- that could have been years ago.
"I worry about people going it alone because maybe the last time maybe they did go it alone, and waiting right up until the end when they're really panic-stricken because it hasn't been happening for them."
She said seeking the help of a job coach early on can give you a big advantage, but keep in mind, they can be expensive.
Since you're likely in a position where you don't have disposable income, she said, do your research.
"Check out anybody you're trying to hire to perform a service for you; ask to talk to clients they had previously had success with. Are they licensed, certified, published? Are they a known entity in the community?"
Asking the right questions could pay off in the end in the form of a job.
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