Job Market Looking Up for Americans

The economy is beginning to take a turn for the better, as more jobs open up and the general unemployment rate begins to go down. Here are some things that you can expect in the next few years.

Less Unemployment

The number of unemployed workers is trending downwards. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that, from 2013 to 2014, there were 25 states that had significant declines in their unemployment rates. Among these states were the popular worker hubs of California, New York, and Washington, DC. Surprisingly, South Carolina has had the largest decline in unemployment over the year. You can find more information on these statistics here: https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2014/ted_20140401.htm

An Uptick in Jobs

There is beginning to be a steady increase in the number of jobs. Some industries will do better than others in the next few years. Health care jobs are one area that will grow exponentially. As the country’s population increases, there will be a higher need for health care professionals. The health care sector remained largely untouched during the recession and it will continue to see an above average growth.

Another sector that should do well is the environmental sector. Green building and sustainable business topics have become popular, since consumers are demanding that businesses take more responsibility for protecting the Earth. And as the economy begins to pick up, more companies will be able to afford green specialists to make their businesses more eco-friendly. There will be more job opportunities for environmental consultants, scientists, and green building design specialists.

Although the construction industry has been doing poorly over the past several years, this is one industry where jobs should pick back up as the economy gets stronger. New construction projects will require more architects, engineers, construction workers, and contractors. Because these jobs have declined during the recession, many people have left this industry to look for greener pastures. This could create a shortage of construction-industry workers in the future, which means good job opportunities for people with the right skills.

Positions that Remain Open

Although there are more positions open, this does not mean that they will all be filled. One feature of the current job market is a mismatch between the skills of workers and the needs of employers. Many companies are willing to hold out for an employee that matches all of the company’s credentials and requirements. Although some positions receive a lot of applicants, there’s not always someone who’s actually qualified for the job. This means that some valuable positions stay open for months.

This means a few things for job seekers. First of all, skilled professionals who have backgrounds in popular fields are actually in a shortage. Workers who get degrees in these popular fields, such as business, healthcare administration, and finance, will have the pick of the litter in terms of jobs. Employers may even be willing to subsidize training for employees who meet most of the job requirements. It’s up to each applicant to market the skills they do have and position themselves in an in-demand field. Fortunately, the decreasing unemployment rate is making it easier for all types of professionals to find work that’s in line with their skills and interests.