Where Are All the Jobs? Wanting Opportunity to Knock

Melanie Reinersman
1 hour ago
3 min read

Cute quotes about job search and job offers abound: “If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door” or “Chose a job you love and you will never work a day in your life.” If such quotes were effective, all the career development professionals would be looking for new jobs! The reality is that it is not easy to identify jobs, search for opportunities and build resilience in the work world. Knowledge of labor market statistics, technology, and evidence-based models are some of the competencies that are acquired and maintained by effective career development professionals. Anybody want to buy a used “Magic 8 Ball”? It’s just a little bit dusty.

~ Melanie Reinersman, insights@careerdevelopmentalliance.com

Photo by Mina Rad on Unsplash

FOCUS ON: Common and Fast-Growing Jobs

Not surprisingly, Fast Food Worker and Cashier are the most common occupations in the United States. Coastal states seem to have more health care roles, while freight and manufacturing are most often found in industrial hubs, like North Dakota or Michigan. Many common jobs are difficult to automate or out-source, which increases the security sought by the job seeker. Additionally, geographic transitions and advancement are more available. View a map of the most common jobs in every state. Likewise, occupations such as Home Health Aide top the list of fast-growing jobs. Technology-related positions also top the list. A strong, long-term demand for these occupations make fast growing jobs attractive to seekers across the US. View a map of the fastest growing jobs.

JOB SEARCHING: AI Skills Required

More entry level job descriptions include a call for AI skills and more employers are talking about technology, ethics, and productivity. The AI skills employers want, such as the ability to develop effective AI prompts or analyze/revise AI outputs, complement the human work being done. Career development professionals can aim to assist job seekers in identifying and demonstrating the AI skills employers want. Read more from NACE.

JOB SEARCHING: Speak the Employer's Language

Throughout the hiring process, both the job seeker and the employer need to use transparent language. While short and sweet is good in a job ad, it should also be gender neutral and professional according to the Undercover Recruiter. The seeker should use professional words in their communication (e.g., avoid slang), aim to connect by articulating (e.g., insert educated words) and be serious about grammar. Read more.

FOR PRACTITIONERS: Coping Tools for Job Seekers

The effectiveness of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy is based on the reduction of anxiety which stems from the coping skills the job seeker gains. Therapeutic tools such as setting clear boundaries and building self-confidence through goal-setting aid the development of resilience. Read more about the support a therapist can offer.

TOP TEN: Reasons Employers Want to Hire that Candidate

Employers easily can find reasons not to hire a candidate, so the job seeker must aim to do their best every step of the way. By showing their personality, demonstrating an ability to work hard, and sharing any plans for improvement, the candidate moves closer to the ideal. Read more about what the employer is looking for in potential candidates.

QUOTES

"Development can help great people be even better - but if I had a dollar to spend, I'd spend 70 cents on getting the right person in the door.” ~ Paul Russell

“Every job is an important job. Businesses don’t create jobs and choose to pay people wages or salaries unless that job is vital to the operations of the business. If the job wasn't important, the job wouldn't exist." ~ Hendrith Vanlon Smith, Jr.