Who's Still Hiring? The Top 5 Fields for Finding Entry-Level Jobs

by Mark Kaefer, Experience.com


In the midst of economic meltdown, where are the jobs? Surprisingly, they're still out there, if you know where to look. And there were a few surprises.

For the fourth year in a row, Experience, Inc. took the pulse of Gen Y'ers as they set out to find their first jobs after graduating from college. The 2008 Job Placement Survey, which ran from mid-May through September, polled close to 650 young professionals about the jobs they landed after graduation. The survey covered everything from job functions to industries and from salary range to reasons for taking the job in the first place. Given our current economic climate, and especially considering a related independent study also released recently, we've found some pretty interesting things.

2008's Big Five

Looking at job offers extended so far in 2008, we found that 10 industries that placed candidates represented nearly 60 percent of all industries still doing significant hiring. With some slight adjustments, three of this year's top five hiring industries (Education, Finance/Banking and Accounting) were also in the top five in our 2007 Job Placement Survey. In 2008, we've seen an increase in placement in the Technology and Health-Care verticals, as well as jobs at Non-Profits and in Government.

So what does all of this tell us? Well, let's put it this way: of the 650 Gen Y'ers polled, nearly a fifth of them took jobs in education. A substantial number of 20-somethings are teachers or hold related job roles in education. While it's been pretty much a given that finance/banking jobs no longer rule the sphere, these respondents' job placements have confirmed those trends -- and as a result, those candidates actively pursued jobs outside the finance and accounting industries and are looking into other sectors.

The numbers don't lie. Finance and banking opportunities for young talent are dwindling, and the market is only getting tighter for young grads.

Roles that Cross Industry Lines

When it comes to the roles that they play in different industries, new hires in 2008 topped the job functions list with Engineering at close to 9 percent. Following were Teaching/Education (8.3 percent), Accounting/Auditing (6 percent), Finance (5.9 percent) and Sales (5.2 percent). Analysts also appeared in the top 10, as did marketers, researchers, consultants and administrative staffers. Compared to last year, 2008's job functions signal a pretty drastic change, as the top two functions -- engineering and accounting -- each dropped in half, from 18.8 percent and 12 percent respectively.

Though employers are most definitely feeling the pinch all around, the glut of entry-level workers represents a tremendous opportunity for candidates willing to move beyond industry lines and pursue the best match possible for their specific job functions. In this competitive landscape, job seekers must consider branching out in new directions.

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6 Essentials for Finding a New Job

by Robert DiGiacomo, for Yahoo! Hot Jobs


Here are half a dozen essential tips for landing the right job in good economic times or bad:

Try a Sales Technique

Be prepared during a telephone screening or a first interview to make the "60-second sell," a four- to five-sentence summary of your biography and career accomplishments, according to career counselor and author Robin Ryan.

"When they say, 'Tell me about yourself, why should I hire you?' you have a memorized statement about why you'd be good on the job," says Ryan, author of "60 Seconds & You're Hired!"

Work Your Personal Network

Networking doesn't have to be confined to business contacts, especially when you're trying to break into a big company that may use automated software to screen applicants.

Ask everyone you know if they have a connection to a specific employer; the goal is to get your resume forwarded to a hiring manager via the company's internal network, rather than having it come from the outside and get lost in the shuffle of other applicants.

"Microsoft gets 100,000 resumes a month -- how do you think they're going to find you otherwise through that cyber hole?" Ryan says.

Expand Your Horizon

Julie Jansen, a career coach and author of "I Don't Know What I Want, But I Know It's Not This," recommends attending professional association meetings in a related field, as well as those in your own specialty.

For example, although your experience may be in marketing, add gatherings for finance executives or other fields in which you could apply your skills and experience to your regular schedule of ad and marketing group meetings.

Another networking strategy is to give it the old college try, by tapping alumni, even those you don't know.

"Most universities have online directors of alumni, so I'd go that route if possible," says Jansen. "If not, contacting the alumni office would be Plan B."

Check Your Skill Set

Although you may not have the time or financial resources to pursue an advanced degree, taking additional coursework in your field to boost specific skills can get you noticed by a recruiter. Also, don't forget to cite key experience gained from volunteering for community, school, or nonprofit groups.

"Look at your transferrable skills, including project management, budgeting, supervising others, and organizational planning," Ryan says.

Know Your Worth

Even during a downturn, it's a mistake to settle for less just to get the job. Before accepting an offer, consult a salary survey or online salary calculator to make sure the package is competitive within your field.

"It's an outdated idea that you should take anything to get your foot in the door," Ryan says. "It could take you 10 years to get a decent salary."

Do It Daily

Whether it's posting your resume in the common area of your apartment building, or sharing your job hunt with your doctor, dentist, dermatologist, or gynecologist, you should incorporate your search for work into every aspect of your daily life.

"Do something every single day that is about looking for a job," Jansen says.

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How to Create a Vision for Your Career

by Caroline M.L. Potter, Yahoo! HotJobs


Was last year cruel or kind to you, professionally speaking? Even if your career didn't take a hit, the tumult of the last few months may have you quaking in your boots over the future.

Career coach Deborah Brown-Volkman reminds fearful workers, "Your career is long! Some people work for 40, 50, or 60 years. Don't get stuck in the here and now when what is happening at this moment is just a small span in a long career. Instead, create a vision to help you move forward."

Claim What You Want...
Deciding what you want to do doesn't happen overnight, but, according to Brown-Volkman, founder of a members-only coaching group to help people reinvent themselves professionally, the process can be simple. She says, "All of life's journeys begin with the phrase, 'I want... .' It's a very powerful phrase, and without it, it's hard to go very far." The career coach likens your professional journey to a trip, revealing that if you didn't decide where you wanted to go on vacation, you'd likely wind up at a destination you don't enjoy.

...Or What You Don't Want
It's hard to say what you want when you're not sure of it. She points out, "The reason certain people can't answer that question is it that it's too overwhelming. But most folks can say what they DON'T want. They can say, 'I don't want to work for a large company,' or 'I don't want a lengthy commute.' The flip side of what you don't want is what you do want."

Fight the Fear...
If creating a vision is so simple, why don't more people do it? Brown-Volkman reveals, "People are lost and afraid now, and they're scared to say what they want because they're afraid of not getting it. When it comes to vision, sometimes people won't even say what they want unless they know they will get there or how to get there. But you have to create what you want first and then live into it. It's like a declaration. It takes courage -- and a bit of faith."

Ask Yourself...
Are you ready to build a vision for your desired professional destination? Begin by getting it down on paper. She advises, "I believe if you write down your vision and look at it on a daily basis, it's more likely it will happen. Either consciously or subconsciously, you'll take steps to make it a reality." Start with the following 10 questions. Adds the New York-based career expert, "Don't forget to allow yourself to dream a little bit; it's OK to do that!"

1. If anything were possible, what would I want to be different in my career?
2. What type of job would I want?
3. What would I want to be responsible for?
4. What type of boss/coworkers/team would I want?
5. What kind of hours would I want to work?
6. What type of company would I want work for?
7. What sort of culture would I want the company have?
8. What city would I want to live in?
9. What salary would I want to earn?
10. What would I want my approach to stress, my workload, and deadlines be?

Get in the Game...
Once you have a vision, start acting on it. Brown-Volkman urges professionals, "Everybody needs a game to play. If you don't have a game, you get stuck in the day to day. The only way out is to say, 'This is what I want next.' You need momentum and action to move ahead this year!"

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What's Your Job Interview IQ?

by C.J. Liu, PayScale.com


After networking, sending resumes, and waiting patiently by the phone, all your hard work has paid off with an invitation to interview. But, how do you prepare? What do you wear? And, how should you explain any layoffs or gaps in your resume?

Below is a quick quiz to test your interview savvy. Read through the following true-or-false statements to assess your Interview IQ.

1. If I prepare too much for an interview I will seem desperate. (True/False?)

False. There is nothing worse than an unprepared interviewee. Make sure you have done your homework about the organization and the job skills required before the interview. This will help when you're asked, "Why do you want to work here?" Plus, you can ask knowledgeable questions when your turn comes around.

2. Before the interview, put yourself in the interviewer's shoes to see things from their perspective.

True. Typically, interviewers are busy and easily distracted. Remember that you may be one of 10 people that they have talked to in the last five hours. Don't make them struggle to get answers out of you or make sense of your rambling replies.

3. Role-playing to prepare for typical interview questions is really important.

True. Practicing your responses to typical interview questions is paramount. Role-play with a friend and get feedback on how you come across. For example, if you say that you are really excited about the job but sound hesitant, you will not seem credible.

4. If you have reservations about your abilities or skills for the position you should tell the whole truth.

True/False. You should not tell a lie and say you have five years of experience when you really have two. Nor should you fully disclose your inadequacies. If you left your last job because you were fired, there's no need to bring that up. When the employer asks you about your biggest mistake, pick a less emotionally charged experience and emphasize what you learned from it.

5. A job interview is a one-direction conversation, like on a talk show.

False. Having a one-sided interview can be exhausting for both parties. Make sure to prepare at least 10 engaging and relevant questions to ask. Even better, have some questions about their favorite subject - themselves. An example is, "Tell me about your job and what you love about it?"

6. Interviewers are like dogs; they can smell my fear.

True. Interviewing is the quintessential example of dogs sniffing each other out. Like a dog, the interviewer will be trying to determine your overall confidence. Your body language indicates your level of self-esteem. Remember, a shaking leg or deer-in-headlights expression can matter more than how well you answer the questions.

7. The "real me" will shine through whether I'm dressed in pajamas or a suit.

False. Whether we like it or not, what we wear helps form a first impression. Before the interview, see if you can get some insider information on the dress code and whether it is more casual or formal. If you don't know, opt for formal. For women, remember it's about getting a job, not a date. Stay away from low cut or short anything.

8. Sending a thank you note is an important way of standing out.

True. Thank you notes are not only about good etiquette but self-marketing, too. How can a simple card help you seal the deal? Start by mentioning something you learned about your interviewer. You could say, "I really enjoyed our conversation about your first years at Boeing." Then, write a quick summary of the conversation and why you are perfect for the job.

9. Making demands for your ideal salary and vacation in the initial interview is a risky proposition.

True. While you are aching to know the starting salary and benefits right off the bat, it's a bit risky to ask these types of questions initially. Reserve negotiations on these matters until you have a job offer.

10. It doesn't matter if I'm five minutes late. Everyone runs late to interviews.

False. It's OK for your interviewer to be late, but the interviewee needs to be on time or 5-10 minutes early. Even if you have a good reason for being late, the interviewer will make assumptions about your level of organization and how you treat others. Plus, getting there early gives you time to compose yourself and shake off your coffee jitters.

C.J. Liu is a certified, professional coach who helps professionals define success on their own terms. C.J. offers?life, business, and career coaching and?can answer your questions at cjliu@mywholelife.net.

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Wear Your Pajamas to Work

5 Businesses for People Who Want to Work at Home
by Clare Kaufman, VendorSeek.com


What's your favorite thing to wear? Chances are you didn't say pantyhose or a tie. Whether it's flip-flops and shorts, pajamas and bunny slippers, or just a pair of comfy sweats, it's probably not something you can wear to work on a daily basis.

As Internet commerce continues to take on steam, more people are seizing on the opportunity to work at home. And we're not talking about those envelope-stuffing work-from-home schemes. Take a look at these real, legitimate home businesses -- that just happen to let you work in any outfit you want:

1. Virtual Call Center. With the advances in Internet-based telecommunications technology, it's no longer necessary for companies to maintain their call center on-premises. Phone systems can span multiple office sites while still presenting a uniform face to the customer. This opens vast opportunities for outsourcing business processes such as customer support.

Here's where you come in. With a state-of-the-art IP phone system, you can arrange to provide call center services from your home office. Equipment leasing services can help you build the network infrastructure to get your call center business off the ground.

2. E-Retailing. Who needs a business location when you have the Internet? The ultimate low-overhead storefront, the Internet gives you access to a world of potential customers. Stay-at-home parents with something to sell can have an online store up and running in as little time as it takes to develop a website.

Developing a commercial website can seem overwhelming at first. Unlike a personal Web page, an e-commerce storefront needs to have search, shopping cart, payment, and customer information functions in place. Fortunately, home business entrepreneurs can partner with third-party service providers for the full range of e-commerce solutions, including:

* online marketing services such as search engine optimization and paid placement
* professional Web design to customize your storefront
* credit card processing
* product search
* order management
* shopping cart checkout
* customer information tracking
* security features

3. Freelance Web Design. Home-based creative types can put their design skills to work running a freelance Web design business. Web designers develop sites for businesses and individuals, putting their imagination and programming skills to work to realize their client's vision.

How to get started? It helps to know your way around HTML and Flash, but people skills are just as important to the success of your home venture. An informal survey conducted by About.com found that freelance developers rely on networking to support their business: "Every developer stated that word of mouth is one of the best promotion methods." It's critical to get the word out about your service. In addition to developing your own website, you can reach out to customers through Web advertising and printed promotional materials.

4. Massage Therapy. An interest in preventative health care and an aging population are creating unprecedented demand for massage therapists. The Department of Labor expects the field to grow 20% through 2016. This is an ideal job for stay-at-home moms and dads. First, many massage therapists maintain a massage studio in their own home, eliminating the need to travel to the client. But perhaps more important, massage therapists typically spend a fraction of their time giving massages. Given the physical intensity of the job, most massage therapists do no more than two or three hours of massages per workday. Most therapists -- 62% -- work part time or maintain variable schedules.

Besides learning the craft of massage therapy, freelance therapists are also responsible for business functions such as billing, credit-card processing, and bookkeeping. Fortunately, these nuts-and-bolts activities can be outsourced to a business process service provider. Look for providers that specialize in small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) and home business support, such as startup consulting services.

5. Freelance Technical Writing. A word processing application and Internet access is all it takes to launch a business as a freelance technical writer. Technical writers translate scientific and technical information for the general public, preparing product documentation, project proposals, and more. Telecommuting is common in this profession, making it a natural choice for any mom or dad who can write. As you establish a reputation in the field and gather more assignments, you can grow your business by subcontracting work to other freelancers. Subcontracting adds another layer of complexity to running your home business. A consulting service can help navigate your business expansion, helping you write a business plan and execute a long-term growth strategy.

Telecommuting and "homesourcing" are already standard features of today's economy, as businesses recognize the value of a distributed workforce. But to truly bring a full-time income home with you, start your own home business. Being your own boss not only lets you reap the rewards of your hard work directly, but also gives you the freedom to manage your own schedule. As one happy home(business)maker puts it: "While being an Internet entrepreneur is challenging and a lot of hard work, it is worth it. I get to walk my kids to school and work next to my fireplace in the winter & next to open French doors in the summer." Hearth and home and a solid paycheck -- that's the best of both worlds.

Clare Kaufman is a freelance writer who covers education and career-related topics. She has a graduate degree in English.

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Using Your Looks for Career Success (Without Going Overboard)

by Robert DiGiacomo, for Yahoo! HotJobs


If you're trying to climb the corporate ladder or you're among the millions seeking work, a good resume and years of experience may not be enough to set you apart from the competition.

The elephant in the executive suite could be how good you look. Some 3 in 4 Yahoo! HotJobs users believe they are more likely to get a promotion or a raise if they improve how they look on the job, according to a recent site poll.

This appearance-success connection is backed up by career experts, who say the more together your overall look, the more likely it is you will find career success.

Here are tips on how to maximize your appearance, without having to resort to the surgeon's knife:

Look the Part

That you've got Barbra Streisand's nose or a predisposition to really bad hair days doesn't matter if your personal presentation dovetails with the requirements of your job.

Financial advisors, for example, are better-served by well-cut suits, pricey haircuts and regular manicures than computer software specialists developing the next big social networking application.

"Barring a five-figure investment in plastic surgery, we have the looks we were born with, and unless you work in the entertainment industry, it doesn't matter," says Jennifer Selby Long, a management consultant and executive coach in the San Francisco area.

"What does matter is making the most of what you've got, and in business, this means carefully honing your appearance, so that you look like you are already a long-standing member of the group."

Too Good-Looking?

You may be justifiably proud of your buff physique, but playing up your pecs through body-hugging outfits or putting too much rouge on those sculpted cheekbones can bring you all the attention for all the wrong reasons.

"Your looks should enhance what you have, which is your skills," says Rachel Weingarten, a New York-based creative brand consultant and strategist.

"It's important to remember not to use your looks when you've got so much else going on for you. Because it will come back to haunt you -- it always does."

Uniform Appearance

The key is to balance looking your best with avoiding standing out too much, says Vicky Oliver, author of several books, including "Bad Bosses, Crazy Coworkers & Other Office Idiots."

A little creativity through accessories can go a long way, with men adding that extra something through a unique tie and women with a standout belt.

"The uniform that you wear says, 'I know what it takes to look professional,'" Oliver explains. "The creative touch that you add says, 'I have a spark.'"

But even the best-tailored clothes can be too much, if your designer duds overshadow those of your boss.

Weingarten, author of "Career and Corporate Cool: How to Look, Dress and Act the Part at Every Stage of Your Career," says: "Don't spend out of your budget on a $500 haircut. And don't outspend your boss. If your boss can't afford Prada, it's not going to help you get a raise if you wear it.

"The real trick is to look effortless."

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Career Trends to Watch This Year

by Caroline M.L. Potter, Yahoo! HotJobs


No one can predict the future, but spotting emerging trends is possible. After the tumult of 2008, will 2009 be any easier on the U.S. workforce? Find out what to expect in the year ahead so you can be prepared to spot opportunity and minimize risk.

1. Smaller companies may offer more job security.

Each week brings news of more and more layoffs at some of America's largest and most influential companies. This may indicate that the time is ripe to move to a more modestly sized organization. Says John A. Challenger, CEO of Challenger, Gray & Christmas, the nation's first outplacement consulting firm, "Small companies don't offer any immunity from being cast out, but they can be more nimble than large companies, reacting more quickly to turnarounds." He adds, "Small companies are taking advantage of this time to upgrade their talent," recruiting professionals who may have come from industry giants.

2. Hired guns will be in higher demand.

Challenger, whose company has offices across the U.S. as well as a global presence, points out, "Over the last decade, we've been seeing more companies looking to hire people on a part-time, temporary, or project basis, and each recession accelerates that interest. Employers today are fighting to control their costs in what has become a service economy, and employee costs, specifically, are under constant scrutiny."

Using contractors and freelancers can keep a company lean during lean times. He adds, "A corporation can bring people on as needed, for particular work. Companies don't want to go through big layoffs. They are aware of the damages that can cause. So they're turning, more and more, to a self-employed workforce."


3. Expect a pause or two in the hiring process.

Even if you're the ideal candidate for a job and the hiring manager is busy checking your references, an offer may not be immediately forthcoming. Challenger states, "While the hiring process varies from company to company, what I'm hearing is that a lot of candidates are getting put on hold. Times are bad so employers are going to wait and see a little bit longer."

Hiring freezes won't be uncommon, but even when an organization is staffing up the process could be lengthy. "There are more candidates out there, so companies will be more careful and look for the best fit. They are not hiring willy-nilly as in times of expansion."

4. People will postpone their retirement.

Between a poorly performing stock market, the Madoff scandal, and a weak real estate market, many folks will be working long past even the most well-planned retirement. Says Challenger, "I think a lot of people lost so much retirement wealth in the stock markets. Some lost 20% of their retirement savings, so I think this means many of them will need to work another three to five years." This could be a boon to employers who often look to retain tried and true workers over their less experienced counterparts during bearish times.

5. There will be an "Obama effect" on the jobs market.

The new administration has a lot of momentum in its corner -- and a lot of expectation from the public. The employment expert points out, "The optimism [surrounding President Obama] is one thing; we'll see how long that will last -- and it will be tough for that to last in a recession, at least insofar as jobs go."

But, he continues, "The infrastructure and rebuilding program to create jobs will be there. A primary goal of this administration is to create a couple million jobs. That is task number one. And they're really going to be working at it."

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Myth or Reality: The Recession-Proof Career

by Romy LeClaire Loran, FindtheRightSchool.com


Although there's no such thing as a recession-proof career, some jobs may offer more job security than others. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that by 2016, three out of 10 jobs in this country will be in education and in health care. If teaching or working in a hospital doesn't appeal to you, professional and business-related jobs will provide the second largest area of growth.

If, like many Americans, you want or need a new career, check out these six in-demand careers. With an associate's or bachelor's degree and some career training, you may be well on your way to enjoying peace of mind and job stability, even in this economy.

Computer and Information Scientist
As our need for technology grows, so does our need for computer scientists. Working as researchers, computer scientists solve technological problems and develop successful solutions. Many computer scientists work on teams in industrial settings or at universities, exploring new and innovative technologies. According to the BLS, computer scientists made over $100,000 a year on average in 2007. An online bachelor's degree in computer science may be able to give you the traction you need for this fast growing career.

Computer Systems Analyst
We know computers are important, but consider this: without computers, most American businesses would not be able to run. Computer systems analysts work for companies and businesses, identifying their technological needs. As a computer systems analyst, you will choose and configure hardware and software in order to meet your company's goals. Keeping up to date with current technologies is key. A bachelor's degree in a technical field, such as computer science or management information systems, can give you the career training you need for this rapidly growing, much sought after career. According to the BLS, computer systems analysts made an average yearly wage of $75,890 in 2007.

Employment Recruiter and Placement Specialist
As the job market tightens, more workers are drawn to temporary, seasonal, and part-time work. Employment recruiters have the important job of matching these employees with jobs. As an employment recruiter, you may work for a company looking for new hires or for a local job placement agency. Your duties will probably consist of meeting with prospective employees, interviewing them, and extending job offers. Armed with an online or on-campus degree in human resources, as an employment recruiter and placement specialist you may be able to make an average of over $50,000 a year.

Health Care Technician
Don't like the idea of working with patients but are still drawn to the medical field? Become a health care technician. Since you'll be compiling patients' charts and records and keeping their health information up to date, you'll need to be well organized and have an eye for detail. An associate's degree in health care management or a related field can prepare you for this rapidly growing field. Many employers prefer technicians who are also registered health information technicians (RHITs), which requires attending an approved program and passing an exam. The BLS estimates that medical records and health information technicians made an average yearly wage of $31,450 in 2007.

Registered Nurse
Approximately 587,000 new nursing jobs are projected within the next eight years, making nursing one of the largest job markets in the United States. According to the BLS, nurses made an average annual salary of $62,480 in 2007. An online program can give you the training you need for a nursing career as you earn your associate's or bachelor's nursing degree. As a registered nurse you will tend patients, providing them and their families with much needed emotional support and education in a doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. You can choose to specialize in one of medicine's many exciting fields, such as oncology or neonatal care.

Special Education Teacher
Within the next eight years, an estimated shortage of special education teachers will coincide with a rise in the anticipated number of qualifying students. Special education teachers work closely with students who have handicaps and disabilities. As a special education teacher, you will modify your students' lessons and help them and their families set and achieve goals. In order to become a special education teacher, you need a bachelor's degree in an approved program. Special education teachers in the United States made over $50,000 a year in 2007, according to the BLS. Plus, along with the good feeling that often accompanies helping others, you may get a portion of your summers off.

Pundits can predict where the rough economy will go within the next few years, but nobody knows for sure. An in-demand career could be one way to ride out the storm.

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