The national unemployment rate is sitting at 9.5%. That means it’s taking people longer to find a job– an average of 35 weeks. But making the competition for jobs even more fierce is the fact that there are more than five applicants for every job. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 45% of people have been out of work for more than six months. So if you’re looking for a job, you may want to focus on these areas, according to a recent report:
Geography: There’s no doubt that there are some parts of the country where things are better than others. According to the pros, Texas is a good place to look. Cities like Dallas, Houston, Austin and San Antonio are all growing which means the possibility of more opportunities. Experts say you may also want to check out areas like Louisville, Memphis, Salt Lake City and Kansas City where there’s a demand for people in transportation, distribution, warehousing and wholesaling.
Sector: And if you had to choose an industry to focus on, health care is a good way to go, according to experts. Other sectors that are looking to hire are manufacturing, professional services and educational services. If you focus your search on a growing industry you’re likely to have better luck.
Experience: If you get the feeling you’re missing out on jobs because of a lack of experience or education, don’t get discouraged. Instead look into taking a night class to improve your skills. Or volunteer at a place in order to get your foot in the door. Companies may be more likely to hire someone with lots of initiative and drive.
Tags: Economics, employment, Bureau of Labor Statistics, unemployment, Labor
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