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Job Seekers Newsletter
March 2008
Welcome Everyone!
The job market for 2008 is developing into a slower growth period for jobs, but probably a reasonably good market for job search overall. We wish you the best of success for your job search! Our site and resources, plus the leadership of the job support groups, are here to help.
Comments About the U.S. Job Market
Looking forward:
Chairman Ben Bernanke of the Federal Reserve appeared before a congressional committee on February 27. He stated that the economy would experience slow growth for this quarter and next, followed by an upturn in economic activity for the balance of 2008. His forecast for this year is for growth in the range of 1.3% to 2.0%, which could yield job creation of 500,000+ jobs, and an increase in unemployment rates to 5.2- 5.3%. Add concerns about inflation and the value of the dollar, the housing market and related businesses, continued US trade growth, rising unemployment claims, potential tax increases…hey, things are really getting interesting!
Given the above, consider the following indicators of “demand” for talent:
-In a recent survey by Execunet of 114 executive recruiters, 59% reported that they expect growth in search assignments at six figure pay levels over the next six months. Top five sectors for growth are the Life sciences (pharmaceuticals, biotech, and medical), healthcare, high-tech, manufacturing, and financial services. Top five jobs in demand are business development, sales, operations management, marketing and engineering.
-CareerXroads recently conducted a survey of 49 employers with average staff size of 5 million and a total of 303,000 hires for 2007. Of those employers:
- 35% expect fewer hires for 2008 versus last year,
- 44% expect about the same hiring pace this year as last year,
- 22% expect to increase employment in 2008.
-NPA is an association of 400 placement firms with both domestic and international affiliates. The membership firms have hundreds of assignments, with the top industry sectors in processing (food, chemicals, and textiles) and commodity production. The top five areas for jobs are engineering, finance, accounting, marketing and sales. Job posts at pay levels above $100,000 are up 30% versus one year ago.
Surveys are predictions of reasonable expectations based upon information available, and the above examples suggest the job market is in so far, so good mode. If the forecasts are fulfilled, it will be a fairly good, but perhaps not an outstanding year for employment and job search!
Alliance Partners
We support the following resources in service to job seekers:
- BPWUSA. Business and Professional Women USA
- HACEUSA, a professional Hispanic Association
- Jobkabob.com: sell your skills, not your work history.
- Career Concepts USA: Job Fair resource
Networking Tip Of The Month
Basics of use of the Internet
Everyone's job search is a unique effort, shaped by his/her career path, goals and qualifications for job opportunities. Some key considerations are:
- Job boards: use the major sites (careerbuilder, monster) and three or more niche sites for your specialty. To find niche sites, use Google and enter "xxx, job boards."
- Indeed.com and Simplyhired.com are job board aggregators that access hundreds of other sites and combine job posts on one board. A very efficient way to check for job posts and do follow ups.
- Research: one visit to your local library should provide a lot of information helpful to job search, such as access to databases of companies of interest.
- Use Google to find news about a target company by entering the company name and clicking on "news" for latest information about the company.
- Best Source: talk to people in your networking groups, find out what works and apply the best ideas that meet your needs.
Networking Group of the Month
Scioto Ridge Job Networking Group
We welcome our newest member to Workministry.com, the Scioto Ridge Job Networking Group, Sponsored by the Scioto United methodist Church and located in Dublin OH. for more information, Scioto Ridge Job Networking Group
Important Information
Leaders: please review your Job Support Group web page and see if all information is accurate and up-to-date. Please send any corrections to work@workministry.com.
Remember networkers: once you have landed your job, complete our landings survey.
Quote of the Month
Our greatest happiness does not depend on the condition of life in which chance has placed us, but is always the result of a good conscience, good health, occupation, and freedom in all just pursuits.
Thomas Jefferson
A Prayer While You Are In Transition
The will of God for your life is simply that you submit yourself to Him each day and say, "Father, Your will for today is mine. Your pleasure for today is mine. Your work for today is mine. I trust You to be God. You lead me today and I will follow."
- Kay Arthur
We hope you have enjoyed this month's Newsletter!
The Work Ministry Team
Contact us at work@workministry.com
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