The U.S. unemployment rate edged up to 5.7 percent in July, hitting a four-year high. But some say the number conceals the true toll of the fickle economy, which can be seen in people forced to work part time because their hours were cut, or they couldn't find full-time employment.

America may be mired in hard times, but there are still great companies to work for, and their success lies in getting the simple things right--such as valuing employees.

Today's release of current unemployment rates may be more unwelcome news reminding us of a rickety economy, but the skies could grow darker still. Goldman Sachs forecasts that the U.S. unemployment rate will peak at 6.4 percent late in 2009 before improving, meaning the painful process of shedding jobs may be only half-way done.

Online social networks are an excellent way for mid-career professionals to boost their careers, experts say--but workers should heed several tips before getting started. Stephen Weinstein knows about the power of online social networks. He landed his current job, manager of marketing communications at Cooper Power Systems in Waukesha, Wis., through LinkedIn.com, an online social network for professionals. A recruiter at Cooper contacted him earlier this year, asking if he knew anyone interested in the position; after reading the job description, he pursued the post and was hired. Of LinkedIn he says, “I swear by the site, and encourage my friends and colleagues to ‘get connected’ on the site. … I've expanded both my personal and professional networks as a result of LinkedIn.com, and have been extremely successful in connecting others who may not have had previous knowledge of each other, using the site.” If you’re a mid-career professional wanting to ramp up your career by similarly leveraging the power of online social networks like LinkedIn, experts offer a wealth of tips for getting started. Continue reading "7 Tips For Boosting Your Career Through Online Social Networks" »

The U.S. Senate has approved a measure that would give an extra 13 weeks of unemployment benefits to the approximately 1.55 million unemployed workers who exhaust their regular 26 weeks of unemployment benefits. Continue reading "Congress Sends Bush Extension of Unemployment Benefits & Unemployment Compensation" »