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The Recession: An Opportunity to Improve Your Life

By Brie Hobbs on Wednesday, May 13, 2009

With much of the media focusing on the negative impact of the recession, new grads looking for employment, mature workers who’ve been laid off, and individuals struggling with survivor’s guilt, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. If you’re feeling defeated in your current job search, look beyond the grim picture the media paints to the opportunities and possibilities ahead of you before you raise the white flag of surrender.

While change and the unknown can be daunting, even frightening, it can also be a chance to redirect your life, to have an adventure, or to do and become more. It may not feel like it now, but the possibilities your life holds and the roads you choose to take are endless. So, if you find yourself at a roadblock, create a new path. Bravely step out on the road less traveled, and change your life. Choosing this mindset can make all the difference.

Not sure which road to take? Explore these avenues to discover potential alternative career paths.

Start Your Own Business. If you’ve ever wanted to be your own boss, now may be the perfect time to start your own company. While keeping your passions and skills in mind, think outside the box and develop a business that’s right for you, whether it’s a quaint neighborhood restaurant, an in-home day care, or a franchised company. Be innovative and dream big and you’ll take control of your destiny.

Gain Life Experience. If you’re a new grad or just need more adventure than an 8 – 5 desk job has to offer, consider taking some time to discover the world. Think about volunteering for the Peace Corps, or becoming an English teacher in a foreign country. Working abroad will provide you with incredible life experiences, equip you with valuable skills you can use in other fields, and help you determine your priorities and purpose.

Whatever road you choose, whether you’re just beginning or you’ve traveled great distances, take heart. As Dr. Seuss says, “Today is your day. You’re off to great places! You’re off and away! You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes, you can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own and you know what you know and you are the one who’ll decide where to go.”

Career Options

5 Booming Green Industries

By Jennifer Kenley on Monday, May 11, 2009

The $787 billion economic stimulus plan signed by President Obama is intended to spur economic and job growth, helping the American economy and putting people back to work. Forty billion dollars of that plan is designed solely to create green jobs.

Many projects in several states are already underway with more in the works. According to MSNBC, there are 10 hot green job industries that are heading our way in 2009. Check out these five green industries highlighted below.

Advanced Biofuels – Green fuel originates from non-food crops, such as cornstalks or wheat straw, and emits 60% less greenhouse gases but performs like gasoline. Advanced biofuel production is expected to increase to 21 billion gallons per year in 2022, up from 2 billion gallons per year in 2012. This industry is expected to generate around 123,000 total new jobs, according to Bio Economic Research Associates. People looking for employment in this industry can expect to find jobs in agriculture, architecture, chemical engineering, chemical plant and systems operators, and more.

Building Retrofitting – Wasted heat and energy is a major concern on the global economy and residential, commercial, and public buildings are big contributors. The president’s administration wants to retrofit 10 million homes with energy saving materials each year until 2020. This is expected to generate nearly 1.25 million jobs directly and 6 million jobs indirectly. Positions in this industry include: home performance specialists, energy auditors, managers, marketers, and more.

Geothermal Energy – Natural – or geothermal – energy is created by steam and hot water produced from heated rocks underground. This industry is expected to create 100,000 construction and manufacturing jobs for up to five years and 23,000 permanent geothermal-plant jobs. Positions available in this industry vary from chemists to drivers to property managers to sales managers.

Green Chemistry – This industry works to reduce or eliminate the use of hazardous substances. Green chemists and engineers are needed to help reformulate products and replace 95% of the petroleum-based materials people use every day with nature-derived stock, according to the American Chemical Society Green Chemistry Institute.

Green Manufacturing – This sector is comprised of mainly traditional manufacturing used to create new parts for green industries. Jobs in this industry are expected to increase by 1 million with, 2.5 million indirect jobs in related industries to support the manufacturing sector. Positions you’re likely to see in this industry are factory workers, health and safety officers, and managers, among many others.

So, if you’re looking to change directions in your career, or you’re like many Americans who are out of work and in search of hope, these hot green jobs could be your ticket to a growing career.

To see the top 10 hottest green job industries and more positions in these industries, check out MSNBC’s green jobs article.

Reader Surveys The Job Search

Mature Workers Face Toughest Job Market, Readers Say

By Job Journey on Wednesday, April 29, 2009

The debate over age and the job search may still be raging, but our results are in, and according to our readers, mature workers are having the hardest time in this job market.

In fact, of the 950 votes cast in our poll, 70% of readers selected mature workers as those having a harder time getting work, while 30% selected new grads.

That doesn’t necessarily mean great news for college students who are already hot on the job hunt ahead of May graduation. The National Association of Colleges and Employers have projected employers will hire 22% fewer graduates than in 2008, and many job searchers are finding that it’s tough to land a full-time gig without on-the-job experience.

However, help and support for college students entering this rough market is available. For example, social networking career site LinkedIn recently announced a company wide initiative devoted entirely to equipping May 2009 graduates to enter the workforce. You can also read how college students can start preparing for the job search now.

There’s also help for mature workers. One great resource is the AARP’s support and guidelines for mature workers who are looking for work. Also, check out our blog post on combating age discrimination in the job search.

The age versus experience debate may never fully go away. But reality is, no matter what your age or experience level, it’s important to be dedicated to a cohesive, professional job search process if you’re looking for work. So, polish your approach today, and focus your time, attention, and efforts on landing those interviews!

Want to know what others are saying about age and the employment process? Check out the comments thread our poll generated. Have a question you’d like to share? Leave it on our Q&A page.

Related Tips & Advice

10 People Who Didn't Get Hired (And What You Can Learn from Them)

The Job Search

Fearing A Layoff? 5 Things to Focus on Instead

By shannon on Monday, April 13, 2009

When friends or family members get laid off, it’s difficult to see them struggle to get back on their feet. Unfortunately, no one can guarantee job security – even in the best of times. So, here are a few things you can do now to prepare yourself in case of an unexpected layoff.

Focus on Networking. It’s never too late – or too soon – to start networking with your peers and other professionals. You don’t have to be looking for a job to build relationships, so get out there and reconnect with old friends and co-workers while also getting to know new people. If you’re laid off from your job, you’ll be able to quickly and easily turn to your network for support and job leads.

Cut Extra Spending. Make an effort to cut your spending and increase your savings by determining if each purchase you’re about to make is truly a “need” or a “want.” Avoid spending extra money on “wants” right now, and instead put that money into savings. Your co-workers can probably empathize with you as you cut back spending, so don’t be afraid to decline an invitation for lunch or happy hour with your co-workers. If you’re unable to find a job immediately after a layoff, you’ll be glad you saved some extra cash to make it through the tough times.

Create a Budget. Whether or not you anticipate a layoff, create a budget you could follow with a reduced or eliminated salary. Write down every expense you have and how much each one costs. Then, select several things to cut immediately and some you could cut later, if you become unemployed. Consider cutting back on items like eating out, entertainment, and clothing. Keep track of your daily expenditures to make sure you’re sticking to your budget, and then save or invest what you have left. You might also want to visit with a financial advisor to create a personalized financial strategy.

Clean Up Your Files. Clean up your computer files if you manage personal documents on your work computer, such as pictures, e-mails, and other downloads. Save the files you need to a CD or e-mail them to your personal computer. Then delete those unnecessary documents from your work computer. When you begin collecting your portfolio items, be sure that you’re only taking copies of acceptable documents, such as public newsletters you wrote or graphics you designed. Make sure to leave behind company documents that don’t belong to you.

Set Doctor Appointments. If you’re covered by a company health care plan, schedule all of your regular doctor appointments and refill all of your prescriptions. Ask about three-month prescriptions and preventative medication so you can be prepared in case your insurance costs increase or coverage stops.

If you’re uncertain about job security, some things to prepare for might be obvious, like updating your résumé and viewing online job boards. Focusing on these five things can increase your confidence and ease your stress because you’ll be better prepared if you face an unexpected layoff. Remember, as important as preparing is, don’t forget to stay positive and remain focused on your tasks and projects at work.

Career Options The Job Search

Looking for a Job? Three Women-friendly Industries

By Brie Hobbs on Monday, April 6, 2009

The American workforce has made great strides toward equality and balance in the workplace in the last century. Women now comprise 46% of today’s labor force. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan, recently signed by President Obama, could create an estimated 3,675,000 jobs. While many of the jobs created are in the construction sector, a traditionally male industry, the plan also includes industries that ensure job creation that reflects the demographics of today’s workers. Check out these three industries that will create jobs for women.

Leisure and Hospitality. Women should consider looking for jobs in the leisure and hospitality industry. An estimated 262,000 jobs created by the stimulus package are expected to go to women in this industry, which includes art, entertainment, recreation, and accommodation and food services. So, hotels, travel agencies, museums, spas, and vacation destinations will be great, exciting, and even exotic places for women to begin their job search.

Financial Activities. The stimulus package is expected to create 127,000 jobs for women in the financial activities industry. The financial activities sector includes jobs in insurance, real estate, rental and leasing, and finance. For women who are good at numbers and enjoy working with people, becoming a realtor or accountant, or working for an insurance company could be the perfect career move.

Retail Trade. Investment in the retail trade industry is expected to create an estimated 304,000 jobs for women. Women who like change and meeting new people everyday should take a look at this multifaceted industry. Retail trade impacts our lives on a daily basis. Examining hobbies and passions, like electronics, furniture, or gardening is a great way to identify a career path. It might also be the perfect time to get creative and consider opening a specialty store. With retail trade, the possibilities are endless and the experiences are different every day.

Looking for a new job can be a scary and intimidating thing, but this opportunity could lead to a positive change. Every life is a story, and one of these industries just might hold the perfect beginning to a new chapter with an exciting career.

Reader Surveys The Job Search

Generations and the Job Search: Who’s Having a Harder Time?

By tiffany monhollon on Wednesday, April 1, 2009

When it comes to the job market, there’s been a lot of talk about how grim things are for two different spectrums of the labor pool. Recent reports show that both new grads and mature workers are likely to have a hard time finding work right now.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says that over 1 million people 55 and older are unemployed and looking for work. Many mature workers are delaying retirement due to the recession. The AARP Public Policy Institute reports that the ones who are looking for jobs will typically search about a third longer than those younger than 55.

But this year, things also look tough for the college crowd. In fact, the National Association of Colleges and Employers’ reported that employers expect to hire 22% fewer new graduates than in 2008, and internship hiring is also down by about 21%. Experts say that in an expanding labor pool, new graduates typically have less experience than others in their industry who are now also looking for work, lengthening the job search process.

When it comes to generations in the workplace, the Baby Boomer generation and the Millennial generation have different values and views, but in the job search, experts say both generations must adapt to a quick learning curve and apply every job search tactic available to bolster their chances of landing a gig. So, we want to know what you think.

poll by twiigs.com

Have more thoughts or insights into these two generations on the job hunt? Do you fall into one of these two groups and have a story to share with us or a question to ask? Share your feedback in the comments section.

Career Options

Career Development for Blue Collar Workers

By Jennifer Kenley on Friday, March 27, 2009

Statistics Back Higher Education for Blue Collar Workers
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for college graduates over the age of 25 was 4.1% in February, up from 2.1% a year ago. However, this rate is substantially lower than the 8.3% unemployment rate for people with only a high school diploma.

Economists say that in this tight job market, one reason college graduates have a lower unemployment rate is because they’re taking jobs that don’t require a four-year degree, making it increasingly difficult for blue collar workers to compete. Companies are hiring these overqualified employees over individuals who don’t have a higher education because they can. So, what can blue collar workers do to compete in the job market?

Be Flexible
To help with the job search, experts say that people need to be more flexible with their career options, because there’s no telling where the job growth will be 10 or 20 years from now. Economists speculate that in the future, job creation will be for new jobs that haven’t even been thought of yet, requiring more than a high school diploma.

Continue Your Education
To be flexible in your career choices, continue your education. This will play a crucial role in your job search success. Jobs that are opening up now are not necessarily physical labor positions, experts say, causing many blue collar workers to be limited in their career choices. This means many blue collar workers are going back to the classroom. In a recent MSNBC story, a man whose career path was laid out at an early age planned to be a factory worker until his retirement. But, after 20 years of factory work and increasing competition from foreign manufacturers, he knew his job wasn’t secure. So, he went back to school and now plans to become a teacher.

So, as the recession continues to take its toll on entry-level positions and other job markets, blue collar workers need to increase their skills to become more flexible in their career choices, helping them in their job search.

Remember, change isn’t a bad thing. By reexamining yourself and finding a new career path, you just might find your dream job. Visit your local Express Employment Professionals office to help you get started on a new career today.