2010 Promises Positive Outlook for Job Seekers

For some time now, the US economy has seen a continual rise in unemployment while the average length of the job search has increased. As we move into a new decade, there are encouraging signs that, at last, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Not only are fewer employers planning on reducing head counts but many are planning on hiring in the coming months.

According to MSNBC, 20% of 2,700 employers surveyed plan on adding full-time, permanent employees within the next year.1 More than just a 4% increase over 2009, this small jump indicates a growing mood of optimism and growth as the economy continues to recover from the recession. In fact, The Wall Street Journal reported that the end of 2009 saw the best growth since the first quarter of 2006.3 Additionally, more than 35% of employers indicated that they would take advantage of the increased candidate pool to replace low-performing employees to increase efficiency. All of this is good news for the jobless.

Finding a job is still a matter of combining solid preparation with a smart and targeted job search campaign, and this means it is important to know where the jobs are. The MSNBC article indicated that about a third of the jobs employers are planning to hire for are technology jobs while another half are split between customer service and sales. Another MSNBC report reveals signs of significant increases in the healthcare, clean and high technology, life sciences, and energy sectors.3 The report, based on a monthly survey of executive search professionals, also noted that 54% of recruiters believe the market will improve in the next six months, with predictions of up to a 19% increase in corporate demand for workers within key industries. Of course, the ability to travel and relocate remains a strong asset as different regions will continue to recover at different rates.

If you are able to relocate, USNews.com has compiled a detailed summary of the 50 best careers for 2010 and America’s best places to find a job that will prove helpful in identifying markets poised for the strongest growth.

While the job market is improving, it remains very competitive, thus, it is vital that job seekers keep their skills sharp and marketable. Whether exploring a new industry or continuing a search within an established field, job seekers are most marketable when their skills and education remain current and attractive to hiring managers and recruiters. According to The Wall Street Journal, the degrees that interest employers the most include finance, engineering, and computer science.4 Experts note that—with these highly technical professionals often wearing multiple hats in today’s job market—it is important for job seekers to hone their soft skills (customer service, team leadership, facilitation, etc.), as well. Of course, presenting these skills in a high-impact professional resume will prove essential if you want to attract the best opportunities.

Combining traditional degrees and professions with new and emerging skills is also vital, according to career experts. Nursing supported by risk management certification, communications with a strong background in social media, or technology combined with user-experience design all play to current trends while providing the core strengths that employers know will stand the test of time.5

Overall, projections for 2010 are cautiously optimistic... and so now is the time to be sure you are ready to seize the opportunities that are sure to emerge as the economy transitions toward a hiring trend.

1. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34619553/ns/business-careers/
2. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB126135497832099455.html
3. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34612478/ns/business-careers/
4. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703278604574624392641425278.html?mod=WSJ_newsreel_careers
5. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703278604574624392641425278.html?mod=WSJ_newsreel_careers