By industry (non-farm), most sectors in Minnesota have seen some job gains in February with a total estimate of 6,200 jobs gained. The private sector, in which much of the focus is on in Washington DC, added 3,700 of those jobs. Private sector jobs are usually viewed as more representative of the health of the economic climate and job growth since companies (i.e. not governments) created the jobs because of financial circumstances inside the company. Government (state, federal, local) added approximately 2,500 jobs in Minnesota in February.

Overall, the downward trend in state unemployment rates that began in late-2009 has continued, throughout much of the state. Outstate places, unfortunately, such as Brainerd, Grand Rapids, and Bemidji, still have a higher overall rate in February in comparison to the Twin Cities Metro Area. The higher than state average unemployment in these cities isn’t new, however they don’t appear to be experiencing the same overall recovery that the Twin Cities are. The unemployment rates in these cities is often over 10%, where the major cities in the Twin Cities Metro Area (e.g. Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington) are much closer to 5% and have seen the recent downward trends.

When compared to other states in the Midwest, Minnesota is has one of the best unemployment rates in February. Only three other states (North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska) have better unemployment rates, but with far less total population. Compared to the nation altogether, Minnesota’s unemployment rate is also among the best, when compared with a US rate of 8.3% in February 2012.

The March 2012 updates will be posted soon as well see if Minnesota goes on to keep ahead of the nation. Moreover, formerly released numbers are often adjusted, so the February 2012 number could change (slightly) too. If the overall trends maintain, we can hope that the state’s unemployment rate will go on working it’s way back to pre-recession numbers.

The Minnesota Unemployment Insurance program provides temporary financial assistance to workers in Minnesota who meet state defined qualifications.  The money for the program comes from a special state fund.  This fund is financed from employers who pay a specific tax for sole purpose of funding the insurance program.

In general, the weekly individual benefit is about 50% of a person’s average weekly wage up to a state set maximum.  In order to get this benefit, an applicant must meet specific eligibility requirements.  In general, you must be a US citizen or legally authorized to work in the United States, be unemployed through no fault of your own (usually layoffs), and while on unemployment benefits you also must be actively looking for work and be willing to accept work in your usual occupation.  Since the money for the fund comes from employers, you also must have worked enough to have sufficient earnings to qualify for the benefit.

Also note that the benefits are temporary, though there have been several extensions of the benefits in the news lately.  Please consult the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance website for the most current information.

In addition, any income you receive while on unemployment insurance (i.e. severance, workers compensation, pension, part-time work) will likely have to be reported.   Also note that unemployment benefits are likely considered taxable income under both state an federal law (consult your tax professional if you have questions).

The program is most easily accessed online via the Minnesota Unemployment website.  The website has a very complete online handbook that will probably answer any persons detailed questions.  There’s also phone support if you can’t find what you’re looking for or have further questions.  Overall, the site is relatively easy to use and is keep current.  It’s also available in several different languages.

The website has an online application system that have regular weekday hours where you can apply for Minnesota Unemployment Insurance online.  Applicants can setup an online account and can also setup to receive unemployment insurance benefit payments electronically deposited.

As the program details can change or become out of date, please visit the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance website for the most current information and qualifications.

If you become unemployed via no fault of your own (typically quitting or being fired from your job), you may well be eligible for financial aid via the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Program. This program is financed by taxes collected from employers and handed on to those in need via the State. This program is run by the State of Minnesota, but must adhere to guidelines established by the Federal Government.

Application for unemployment benefits is generally done online or by telephone. Both the website and phone service are offered in a number of languages. Drop by the Minnesota Unemployment website to discover if your eligible and apply for benefits. There’s also a beneficial FAQ online that can answer a lot of your initial questions about Minnesota unemployment insurance.

After applying for unemployment insurance, an ideal subsequent step could be to let people know that you’re seeking work. A really good way to do this is by social networking websites. These sites, such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, exist to assist facilitate keeping in touch and connected with people. If you’re unemployed and seeking work, these sites become more essential than just being aware of what your friends are up to. They become the means for you to tell people that you are looking for a new job.

Keeping in communication with prior managers and work colleagues becomes extra significant. These individuals can be a core resource for you in your job hunt. As you’ve dealt with them previously, they’ll be acquainted with what you may know, the quality of work you generate, and what you like to do. Because of that, when job positions appear they will possibly call you provided they know that you’re looking.

The overall key is communication. Your next position might come where you least expect it. Friends, family, or or simply old high school acquaintances could possibly be your connection to a better career. Let people know!
One other good step is to sign up for free accounts on a number of the best online search engines (i.e. Monster). Registration is usually free and provides you the ability to submit your resume online and enroll in job notifications when new opportunities are posted that match your credentials. Sign up for several as no one site can have all of the positions. Additionally consider doing the same for a Minnesota regional job search sites, together with newspapers.

So if the unfortunate arises and you end up unemployed in the State of Minnesota, understand that there are plenty of tools that are available to you. You can find out about many of them online and many times for free. Get the word out and setup your key resources and let the search begin. Best wishes!

Nonetheless, there are a number of places for the unemployed individual in Minnesota to turn to for assistance. Fortunately, a lot of the best are found on-line as websites offering information on economical assistance, career guidance, and help looking for work. We are going to have a look at a few of the most relevant.

For the individual seeking out a new career or shifting careers, iSeek careers is an excellent place to start. The site is a Minnesota-focused career site that’s well setup and easy to work with. This website consists of a really nice section on career investigation plus a database of over 500 careers to peruse. They have a ‚ÄòFind a Job’ section which includes regional-specific information which includes employers, job openings, and salary information. Many of the same tools as some of the bigger websites, but utilizing a Minnesota angle.

Unemployment Insurance Minnesota is a website run by the State of Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. This is the website you can go to to determine if you meet the criteria as well as how to make an application for financial aid. Users can create accounts and apply for assistance online. There’s also phone numbers for those who have questions or need additional help. A web based handbook is supplied in a variety of languages.

On the Federal side of the house make a trip to the Department of Labor’s website. As is somewhat usual of a government site, it’s really (really) big with just about an excessive amount of content. However, there’s also a great deal of really good information for the unemployed on the site because the DOL is in charge of establishing the federal unemployment guidelines that the states must follow. There’s also hyperlinks out to other government (state and federal) sites.

The Department of Labor also has a site called Career One stop. It’s a career-focused website for those thinking about browsing new careers, skills profiling, and information for career changers. It also has some links to state specific data which include salaries and employment. Overall, for a government websites, it’s well setup and easy to explore.

There are just a few of the key sites for the unemployed in Minnesota. Take a look and get some help. Best of luck!