This Could Be The Reason You Didn't Get Hired...

New unemployment numbers came out this week, confirming that more people are out of work.

But who has the best shot at getting hired?

WTAJ went out searching, for job searchers, and experts on the topic. We found a trend among those competing for jobs.

The Department of Labor says that 8.3% of the country is unemployed, which means that a big chunk is searching for jobs. But how you ended your last job, could play a big role on whether you get your next job. Johann Pope from Altoona, says part of it is a lack of options.

"I just think there's not a lot of availability out there; employers are a lot more picky with who they're choosing... They put out tons of applications, don't get responses back, it's just tough... Just keep at it, things'll get better eventually."

John Shepler, from Cambria County echoes that sentiment.

"You just keep at it, I mean don't give up, never give up..."

Everyone has advice for people looking for jobs. Even Donald Ruggery, although he's paid to give his advice.

"What they need to do is contact as many employers that they think they're qualified for."

Folks are hit hard all around the area, like in Somerset County, where 225 coal miners were let go by PBS Coals in July. Companies all over are making tough choices. Ruggery is a pro at job placement, he's been doing it for more than 50 years. He's currently the Owner and CEO of Spherion, which is a job placement agency.

"The companies don't want to lay you off if you're going in every day and doing a good job. They don't want to lay you off, but they don't have the work, they can't hire you... They got to lay you off."

Ruggery claims that getting let go can even take a toll on a person's psyche.

"It's one of the worst things that can happen to an individual. To be laid off of work, who's worked ten years or five years, or one year."

Ruggery says there is a trend when it comes to people who are getting hired. If you were fired at your last job, you're in hot water, because your
new job, will want to talk to your old boss.

"I'll tell you what the big difference is, when you're fired, you're gonna have a problem getting a job with somebody else, because they're gonna talk badly [about] you."

But if you were laid off, Ruggery says you're actually in better shape.

"when you're laid off, you're much better going to an employer and saying here's my record, here's what ive been doing, here's what I've been paid,  here's what I can do. This is my history, and this is the employer that laid me off, and you can ask him, and you can call him on the telephone, or by the e-mail anything you want to to check on me."

The unemployment rate rose by a tenth of a percent, despite 163,000 jobs being added.