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May 1, 2009
Joblessness may be high and spirits low, but certain sectors of the economy continue to expand.
While competition may be fierce, there are still positions available, according to Pat Tomlinson, 38, a senior vice president for Aon Consulting, a risk-management and human-capital consulting firm in Chicago.
Tomlinson recently spoke to Your Business about what kind of jobs remain somewhat recession proof.
Q: Which sectors of the economy continue to hire and why?
A: Despite talk of belt tightening and streamlining budgets, public sector jobs continue to thrive, including positions in government, health care and the energy sector. Some of the recent expansion is due to federal stimulus dollars -- much of which has not yet been spent as agencies prepare for better times ahead.
Q: Where do you find those jobs?
A: Those looking for federal government jobs should visit the website USAjobs.gov, where positions are offered domestically and abroad. Daily checking is essential, as the site updates often. As of last week, the site was offering about 48,178 jobs. Transportation security officers, part of the federal Transportation Security Authority, is another area looking to hire.
Q: Which sectors are looking to hire?
A: Most surprising is that even the U.S. auto industry hasn't totally hit the brakes. While manufacturing is down, portions of the nation's auto industry are still looking to hire. Related jobs in parts distribution centers are needed as people hold on to their vehicles longer, requiring more extensive repairs. Part-time or seasonal jobs, both within the automotive industry and beyond, are also relatively stable. Many unionized employees take summertime vacations, and seasonal workers make up the difference. While not permanent, temporary jobs can still help pay bills and allows for networking potential. Customer service jobs remain critical as phones still need answering.
Q: How can small human resource departments help job seekers?
A: It may sound counter intuitive, but smaller HR departments can help. Faced with applicant pools that are often five to 10 times greater than before the recession, many departments rely on increased automation like pre-screening websites to find the best candidates. Pre-screening may seem redundant to the job seeker, but with patience and persistence, it can ultimately eliminate competition. Make certain resumes are up to date, focusing less on the timeline and chronology of previous positions held, but more on key projects. That way, job seekers can distinguish themselves from the rest of the pack.
Q: Does being overqualified hurt ones chances of landing a job in this economy?
A: Being overqualified can be tricky. On one hand, the job seeker may believe their qualifications make them a shoe-in for a given position. But from the employer's perspective, many are concerned that the money invested in training a new employee, which often takes 90 to 180 days, will be wasted as retention rate are low. Many employers now screen for expected retention. Employee hopefuls must demonstrate they are committed to the position they have been offered and will not jump ship the minute the economy improves.
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