North Carolina shows employment strain

NewsObserver.com. Median household income in the state fell over the decade by nearly 10 percent, to $43,326, according to the Budget and Tax Center, a nonprofit advocacy group in Raleigh. The center, in a report coming out this weekend, also found that North Carolina lost high-wage jobs and gained low-wage jobs. The report found that unemployment has lasted six months or more for nearly half of those who are out of work. The center has also tracked a rapid increase in poverty in the state’s suburbs over the past 10 years. According to study released late last month by the Pew Center, family income across the country declined over the past decade for the first time since World War II. Many who are laid off find work eventually, but for far less than they made before and often in a different field. Joanna Wolfe of Durham lost her job as an information technology audit and security consultant three years ago when the recession hit. She found steady work again in January 2011, but for less money than she had been making. “People say they will never take a pay cut, but the reality is they should be looking at a pay cut,” Wolfe said. “People have to be realistic. The economy doesn’t bear people making salaries in the same terms as 2008. Even with years of experience, there’s a 25 to 50 percent pay cut.” She says employers are often reluctant to hire someone who is over-qualified because they fear the employee will leave once the economy turns around. Using employment screening to source the best employees The fact that a few employers are hesitant to hire the best applicants due to a fear they will jump ship as soon as the economy improves comes as a surprise to some. The poor economy has worked to the advantage of many employers, with business owners realizing that they can now use employment screening and to its full potential. They can screen each and every applicant to a high degree, only employing those who are the best of the best – and have no blemishes on their record. With the election coming up, North Carolina job seekers and employers (along with the rest of the country, of course) will be watching carefully. Fingers are crossed the economy starts to pick up, and – with this trend – employers continue to realize the benefit and potential that employment checks provide. For more information on background checks and employment screening, get in touch with us today!    ]]>