Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Small Businesses Are Holding Steady In Portland, Where's My Summer Job?, And Job Fair Tips

Like many of us already know the economy is still bad and things have not improved, despite reports that things are turning around. Despite the fact that Portland's jobless jump outpaces the nation, and those in power may not have done all they can to create jobs. Portland can still hang its hat on small businesses. As layoffs mount, more and more people are starting their own business. Last month alone, Portland issued 579 new business licneses which is triple the number from a year ago and they have have issued nearly 7,000 in last 12 months. It all really picked up last September as the recession was just starting to take a hold of the economy. Oregon traditionally relies on small business for job creation than most other states. Companies with 500 employees or less provide 57.2% of all private sector jobs in Oregon compared to the nation average of 50.2%. Some other really good news about small business owners is that Jeff Merkley introduced new legislation to boost tax deductions to $10,000 for those who spend under $60,000 for start up. Currently there is a $5,000 tax deduction for those who spend under $50,000.

With it finally being summer up here in the Northwest, the kids are out of school looking for jobs and there doesn't seem to be many. High schoolers across the area have reported that it has been harder to get a job this year than most years. The teenage unemployment rate in 2008 was estimated at around 17%, but this year they are predicting that it will be up around 22-23%. With the saturated job-seeker market, companies are being really picky with sorting through resumes. This can be a good thing for those hiring though because they can sit back and evaluate all the resumes and applications to select candidates that meet their criteria.

Here is a great article from the San Francisco Chronicle that features some good job fair tips and a quote from our very own Christina Moneypenny. Christina has some excellent advice, "When you submit stuff online, that is great, but it is just a document. When you go to a job fair you get to bring the whole package. The recruiters are there and they will know within in 30 seconds whether or not you are the right person for the job."

So Portland, what is your take on small businesses? And is this something that will bring us out of the recession? Also what are your feelings on the shrinking job market for teens? Please leave your comments in the section below.

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