Viewpoints Industry Reviews the Jobs Skills Gap in America

America has always been a place where the people think they have all the information they need in order to do the job they are hired for. Others think this is not so much true. Viewpoints Industry reviews the job skills gap in America.

Yes, America, we have a job skills gap. While most millennials believe they have all the skills they need to get the job done, they lack specific ones badly needed in the workforce: social skills. Social skills are those that help people get along with other people such as showing respect, being courtesy to others and loyalty to the company. Other skills needed are those specific to the job, the product or the service. Only 43% of Baby Boomer workers believe they have all the skills they need to do the job. ViewpointsIndustry TV knows that no one is too old to learn a new skill. Once we think we are too old to learn something new, we will make ourselves obsolete. Take time to enroll in a free online course in a subject which is interesting and useful. Sign up for a nearby workshop in a topic that moves you. No one is too young, too smart or too old enough to not learn a new skill to use now and later. Why wait?


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Viewpoints Industry and Why Americans Feel Poor

Anyone who follows the news knows the unemployment statistics seem to get better, but the jobs created and the wages that go with them are low. Viewpoints Industry investigates why Americans feel poor.

Working Americans find that their wages are stagnant but their costs keep rising which leaves them feeling poor. Getting ahead both financially and in a career seems nearly impossible. The American Dream has faded away a long time ago.

Those out of work may find that there is no middle ground for a decent paying job. There are low-paying jobs or those on the much higher end of the pay scale. According to the National Employment Law Project, there are now 2.3 million more low-paid workers than at the start of the recession, and 1.2 million less jobs in the mid and high range industries. The median hourly wages have declined across most income levels. The Viewpoints Industry TV show notes that while household expenses keep going up, wages are not moving thus leaving American to feel like they are only working to pay the bills.

There are ways the working American can feel a bit better about their financial situation. Saving for emergencies can be done with as little as $20.00 a month. Sure it takes longer. But it beats not having anything saved at all. Keep looking for a better paying job while working in the low-paying job. This alone can help one feel more empowered.


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Viewpoints Industry – Best Things to Buy in August

August is the month when back to school deals are sweet. It is also the month when summer clothing and bathing suits and the like go on sale. Viewpoints Industry reveals the best things to buy in August and what to avoid.

Check state websites for the tax-free weekend on back to school supplies. Florida’s was last weekend. The tax-free weekend can save families a bundle on school stationary supplies, clothing, uniforms, laptops and more. The state website should have a list of what is tax-free during this time.

Summer essentials and outdoor items are on sale now. This means bathing suits, shorts, lightweight shirts, sandals, beach and pool toys, beach towels and more. Sign up for email alerts from favorite catalog companies and save even more. Stock up for the remainder of the summer and early fall when the weather is still warm.

Avoid big ticket home appliances like washing machines and dryers, holiday items, smart phones and tablets, and travel plans for the holiday season. Labor Day and Black Friday are creeping up quickly and this is usually the better time to get a good deal on large home needs. Viewpoints Industry suggests taking advantage of summer sales both in the store and online. Stash the money saved into a savings or retirement account and feel better knowing that you saved twice.

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A Viewpoints Industry Fist Pump for Healthier Ways to Greet Someone

The standard way we know to greet someone is to shake their hand. But there are several reasons why this normal business and personal greeting is no longer the healthiest way to say “nice to meet you”. Viewpoints Industry examines other ways to in which to show respect and be friendly.

Unknown to many people, a simple fist pump with another person spreads far less germs (one-twentieth) than a handshake. A high-five spreads half as many germs as a handshake. Hand shakes are a very common greeting in all facets of business and in nearly every part of the world. But it is also a very efficient way to spread germs. Health experts recommend washing your hands or using a sanitizer on hands after shaking someone else’s in a hospital, urgent care center, health clinic or with a food worker. A more sanitary way to greet someone might be to offer a small bow, or a smile. In the U.S., younger professionals might view the fist pump as a cool way to say “job well done” or “nice to meet you”.  Viewpoints Industry also knows that handshakes will always be the norm, and with a little good hygiene, can be less of a germy way to introduce oneself. 

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Viewpoints Industry and Borrowing from a 401(k) Plan

There are times when it is absolutely necessary to borrow from a 401(k) retirement plan. Viewpoints Industry shares the types of loans to take that won’t hurt you in the long run.

Keep in mind that some plans and some employers have set rules on taking a loan from a retirement plan. If you need to borrow money from the plan, it is best to know that you won’t lose your job soon and can pay it back within the timeline given. Payments are taken from your paycheck. That is something else to remember before taking money from a retirement plan. Always be sure to read all of the terms and conditions before signing on the line to borrow money from the plan.

If you find yourself out of work with a lot of credit card debt, consider borrowing from the plan to pay off the debt. But be sure there are enough funds in the plan to do this. If wanting the loan to buy a new car or home, traditional loans are better and the percentage rates are usually better.

The 401(k) loan is good for a short-term loan rather than a long-term loan. Viewpoints Industry suggests holding off from borrowing from a retirement plan if possible. The funds growing in the account will be needed when it is time to retire. With the economy still struggling to get on track and the job market looking iffy at best, save those funds for the future. Instead, go to a financial website like bankrate.com and see if there are any banks willing to compete to give you a better loan deal for your needs.

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How the Older Generations are Finding a Job from Viewpoints Industry

It is hard for everyone from age 21 and up to find and land a new job these days. Yet, it seems harder for the older generations to gain employment. Viewpoints Industry reviews the different tactics the older generation can try to find a job.

It is hard to sit across from a job recruiter who is in their 20s or 30s when you are 40 plus years old. Every smirk, half smile and comment seems to say “too old for the job”. But there are ways to nip those perceived prejudices in the bud:

Get on LinkedIn and juice up your profile. Choose a great headshot of yourself. Review all the job entries you made on it and tighten then up. Add volunteer work and any projects which were successful. Search for companies you’d like to work for an follow any news they update. Ask questions. Be active and alert.

Improve skills or add new ones by taking free and low-cost online courses in your field. There are a plethora of great educational opportunities available. Take time and research them. Ask friends, mentors, former co-workers for recommendations. Add them to your resume. It shows that you have not been sitting around waiting for a job to land in your lap.

Your image matters. Viewpoints Industry TV learns that a positive attitude and a clean and put together appearance speaks volumes about how well a recruiter thinks you can handle the advertised job. Be a can-do applicant. Don’t snub your nose at a lower salary. Negotiate for more days off, flex time or work from home days. Finally, be willing to accept a temp or contract job until something more permanent becomes available. It helps pay the bills and helps keep skills fresh. Take charge of your job search with these tips and maybe, something good will come from it.

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