SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (WXYZ) — The latest numbers from the Michigan Department of Technology Management and Budget show that over a quarter million Michiganders are unemployed. The state's unemployment rate ranks among the highest in the country, but there are more resources out there than you think.
Watch Evan's report in the video player below
You've printed copies of your resume, and it's time to share it with potential employers. But this is just a step in the job-seeking process. I talked to a local career readiness expert about what else it takes to stand out.
Apply with a purpose, for a reason, and with some strategy, said Gesher Director of Business and Career Services Jason Charnas.
“It's not just apply, apply, apply," Charnas said. "It's apply, and how do I know or who do I know that works at a business or a company or is connected there, and how do I get my resume into that hiring manager’s hands?"
Gesher is a metro Detroit non-profit dedicated to a variety of human services.
“There's a lot of help out there, a lot of resources out there that can help," said Rob Moore, who is looking for a new job.
Moore has been on the job hunt for a few weeks now. He said Gesher has helped every step pof the way.
“They go out of their way to find those resources that might be best available for you, jobs that would work, might not work, resume improvement, skills assessments," Moore said.
Moore is searching for a job in a state ranked fourth-highest in the country in unemployment rate at 5.2 percent. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national average of 4.3 percent.
Mark Lane, a husband and father from Grosse Ile Township who has experience as a Freelance Communications Producer, said the last seven months haven't been easy.
“I've never been out of work more than 2 weeks in my entire life. I've never seen anything like it. That's why developing this podcast has opened my eyes," Lane said.
Lane, who has spent years in Executive Communication roles with organizations like Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit and Salvation Army, launched a new podcast called 'Ghosted by the Machine' just three weeks ago, bringing on guests with similar experiences.
“These stories are amazing, some of these stories, and what these other people are going through, it's hope, work hard, keep grinding," Lane said.
“We’re providing a wide variety of workshops, through Zoom and in the office, throughout the month,” Charnas said.
Tomorrow, Gesher will host a virtual workshop focused on the strategic job search. Registration is free, and you can find more details at this link.
