I think we need to acknowledge that on the day we posted the results from the November 2009 Conference unemployment reached 10.2%, the highest since the early 80′s. Although a concerning number for the macro economy, The statistics from the November Conference and for that matter all year, are very different than the over all US labor market. I want to share with you an e-mail Chuck Alvarez sent me. For those of you who do not know Chuck, he manages a signficant number of our clients and is leading the follow up interview process for this November Conference.

“Joel,

Unemployment hit a 26 year high of 10.2% this AM, but this is not an accurate reflection of the opportunities for the Cameron-Brooks candidate. The 10.2% reflects the general labor markets and includes all industries and part time/hourly workers.

At C-B, we are still noticing a good demand for JMO talent. Our November candidates averaged 9.5 interviews each. It’s certainly a challenging job market because companies are cautious and holding candidates to high standards, but candidates who prepare and utilize our Development and Preparation Program (DPP) can take advantage of this opportunity.

If anything, the 10.2% indicates that our DPP candidates need to read more books, spend more time studying Fortune Magazine, coming to see us for one on one session and Workshops, and working through the DPP modules. This is the best way to prepare to win in this type of an economy. Chuck”

Joel Junker