Where the jobs are: Opportunities for Everyone

You can find work — even in today’s economy. In fact, some industries, such as health care, are experiencing particularly good job growth.

According to Keith Emerson, managing director at Lee Hecht Harrison, the New Jersey-based global leader in talent management, “As the baby boomer generation continues to age, the need for health services will continue to grow. In addition, health care reform will be an issue at the forefront of Capitol Hill debates this summer, keeping the future of the industry in the media spotlight.”

Health care isn’t the only industry hiring. Work can be found in a variety of other fields too, including education, technology and engineering. Here are some of the best job opportunities available today:

• health care
• education
• accounting
• government
• green collar
• sales
• technology
• engineering
• legal

Opportunities for college grads

Although there are numerous areas of relative strength, the job situation is not as healthy as it has been in past years. According to CareerBuilder’s Annual College Job Forecast, 43% of employers plan to hire recent college graduates in 2009. That’s a drop from 56% in 2008.6 While the glass isn’t quite half full, many employers are still hiring, though it may take more work and perseverance to get hired.

Visit collegegrad.com to find job postings for recent grads.

You’re never too old

A March 2009 study by Harris Interactive and CareerBuilder found that while 68% of workers age 35 – 44 found new jobs within three months of becoming unemployed, only 46% of those 55 or older found new jobs in the same time frame.7 While older workers and retirees returning to the workforce may have a harder time finding work than many younger people, opportunities do exist.

If you’re in this age group, visit retirementjobs.com, which has a list of certified age-friendly employers.

Regardless of your age or life stage, there are jobs to be had, even in this challenging economy. But you need to know where to look and how to market your skills to match the position. "And don't forget," says Emerson, "that a positive attitude, professional presence and persistence can go a long way."

The complete article can be seen at http://budgeting-investing.ameriprise.com/financial-planning-articles/economic-events/current-job-opportunities.asp?CID=eViewPoint_Loyalty_Subs_0709