July 2012 WI Unemployment Rate at 7.3%

The WI unemployment rate rose 0.3% in July to a 2012-high of 7.3%. This is the 4th straight month with an increase and is the highest rate in Wisconsin since October 2011. It\’s also the largest monthly increase for the state since a 0.4% increase in April 2009. For the month there are approximately 8,000 more unemployed workers than June 2012. Additionally, there are about 15,000 fewer individuals employed in WI for the month. On a positive note, Wisconsin\’s July unemployment rate is still a full percentage point better than the national average of 8.3%.

Regardless of the July increase, the July 2012 rate is still improved over the 7.6% unemployment rate in July 2011. Compared to one year ago, there are around 9,400 fewer unemployed people in WI. Also, the civilian labor force has increased by around 9,800 and the number of people employed in the state has gone up by just over 19,000 in the past year. The impact of these numbers is the 0.3% decrease in the unemployment rate in WI for the year.

Somewhat unexpectedly, the story is different when we look at the individual unemployment rates for many of Wisconsin\’s cities. Almost all of the metropolitan areas reported on by the DOL showed improvements in their unemployment rates in July. The City of Appleton\’s rate fell for the month from 6.8% to 6.6%. The Eau Claire Area also fell to 6.9% in July from 7.0% in June. Green Bay was also improved, falling from 7.0% to 6.8%, as was the City of Janesville, dropping 0.5% to 8.9%. The City of Madison went from 5.6% to 5.4% (and remained a state-low rate). The major city of Milwaukee fell to 8.2% from 8.4% in June. Racine\’s rate remained static for July at 8.2%.

Another way of reviewing employment numbers for the state is to look at the metrics by business sector. For Wisconsin, Manufacturing, Information, and Other Services also had employment gains for the month of July. The industries of Education & Health Services, Leisure & Hospitality, Government, Construction, and Trade Transportation and Utilities all saw employment decreases for the month.

Wisconsin continues to be about average when compared to other states in the Midwest. State with higher unemployment rates than Wisconsin include Indiana (8.2%), Illinois (8.9%), and Michigan (9.0%). States with a lower rate were Minnesota (5.8%) and Iowa (5.3%). However, all these states saw higher unemployment rates in July.

The August 2012 employment statistics for Wisconsin will be released later this month. We\’ll once again review the information for the State of Wisconsin, it\’s cities, and industries. Please note that previously released employment numbers can be adjusted at a later date.

If you\’re unemployed in the State of Wisconsin and need information, please check out the WI Unemployment Headquarters.

July 2012 WI Unemployment Rate at 7.3%

Interview Questions for Live-In Housekeeper - Basic Pointers

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A live-in housekeeper is important for a lot of households especially among families who have a busy lifestyle, demanding work schedule and time-consuming jobs and careers. Having somebody to do the work at home such as the cleaning, food preparation and laundry becomes a necessity in such situations. Still, it is important to take the time to interview an applicant for the safety of your home.

The following are relevant questions that you need to ask a potential live-in housekeeper during an interview. Take your time during the interview in order to get to know the applicant better and find the best one who meets your preferences.

One of the first things that you have to know is the applicant\’s personal background. Get as much information as you can such as the full name, age, civil status, hobbies and interests, religion, ethnicity, culture and practices. Take the time to determine if the applicant has specific religious and ethnic practices which she observes that may cause conflict in your home. Remember that you are hiring a live-in housekeeper. This means that you are opening your house to a stranger. It is best to know relevant information pertaining to the personality of the applicant prior to making a decision to hire.

Secondly, ask the applicant if she can handle the job and how she intends to do her responsibilities. Determine her ability to do the major household chores and if she has other skills. Check your personal preferences if they are aligned with this applicant. Get to know her health status and if she is physically and mentally capable to handle the job. Try to ask her about her limitations, previous illnesses, conditions and when she had her last medical check-up. Ask if she is currently taking any medications.

Third set of question should include previous jobs and employment background. Ask the applicant about her previous jobs, former employers, reasons for leaving and the responsibilities that she handled before. Determine her strengths and weaknesses based on her previous job experiences. Also, it is important that you ask how she handled her previous jobs and responsibilities. Try to take note of her gestures as she explains and make eye contact. This can help you measure the level of honesty and sincerity as well.

For the fourth set of question, ask whether she had been subjected to disciplinary measures or actions. It is okay to search for a police clearance or special recommendation from a credible reference. Remember that this is of utmost importance. Depending on trust is not enough. It is important that you also check an applicant\’s track record for your own safety and security.

Although all information will be provided by the agency, it is best that you take the time to interview somebody who is applying for a live-in housekeeper. It can help you determine the person\’s qualifications, level of confidence, sincerity and honesty. It is also the best way to check for the consistency of her records as well.

Interviewing a potential live-in housekeeper can help you gain confidence in your decision to hire one.

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Interview Questions for Live-In Housekeeper - Basic Pointers