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SALT LAKE CITY — The nation's unemployment rate is where it was when President Obama was elected in 2008 — 7.4 percent.
The labor department says 162,000 new jobs were created in July, less than analysts predicted. The department has admitted to over-counting 26,000 jobs in May and June.
By comparison, Utah's unemployment rate is currently at 4.7 percent.
In addition, the state's Labor force participation rate (the number of unemployed looking for work) has dropped to 63.4 percent percent, a five-year low.
Utah resident Arthur Trujillo has been looking for a job for months. He said hunting for work can be discouraging.
"I was ready to throw in the towel a lot of times, but what can you do? I'm raising a son by myself and I couldn't throw in the towel," Trujillon said.
For many people, improving specialized skills is the key to getting them out of unemployment.
I was ready to throw in the towel a lot of times, but what can you do? I'm raising a son by myself and I couldn't throw in the towel.
–Arthur Trujillon
Utah's unemployment rate is much less than the national average at 4.7 percent. Carrie Mayen with the Department of Workforce Services said Utah's rate is low because of the variety of work available.
"If you have an economy that's less diverse then you're relying on just those to grow your economy," Mayen said. "Our diversity is what has helped us."
Trujillon's story ends on a high note: he's now working as a truck driver, earning what he considers a living wage.
"It pays the bills, living good got me a car, moving up," he said.
But Trujillon recognizes the importance of education for his 15-year-old son, who is already aspiring for something better.