| The Job Situation | |
The
job situation has not been good since the beginning of 2001, and the tragic events of September 11
caused many industries to layoff even more workers. But, while the terrorists counted on fear and
the subsequent disruption in business, they mistakenly overlooked America's spirit, resolve and
ingenuity. As we fight back, it's boosting some industries and creating new job opportunities.
The section below is to help you pick potentially good industries in which to job search, and bad industries to avoid for now.
What's Hot, What's Not
Although the stock market was iffy before the attacks and even more so afterwards, its industry trends are still good general indications of job opportunities. For example, because of the new, worldwide fear of flying, stocks in the air transportation industry have suffered, which is also affecting stocks in the hospitality (hotels, motels, resorts, etc.) and other related industries. Add the recent mass layoff numbers to that equation, and it's not hard to calculate that those industries are not good places to look for jobs right now. But what may not be immediately apparent, is the fact that ground-transportation industries are getting more business as a result, likely creating new job opportunities.
| Any of the major news sites, such as CNN, MSNBC, CBS News and ABC News, are good places to look for stock and industry news. |
With consumer spending down, profits and jobs in wholesale, retail and related industries are also down. Eating and drinking establishments, and apparel and food stores suffered the largest losses in September. But with the holidays coming up, some retail stores may be taking on temporary help. While it may not be as glamorous or pay as well as your previous job, landing a temporary retail gig will get you out of the house and might boost your self-esteem. It might also pay more than unemployment insurance, to help you get through these hard times.
| According to the rules in many states, you can earn a few extra bucks and still collect full unemployment insurance pay. Check with your local UI office about that. |
Manufacturing has been on the decline since late 2000. Construction has shown no net growth in recent months. With new home sales dropping and winter approaching, industries related to construction will likely start to decline.
With the U.S. now waging war in Afghanistan and probably for some time to come, the defense industry is gearing up. Related industries, such as those that manufacture tires and fuel, will likely follow suit. Therein lies new job opportunities.
| On a related matter, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics recently won the government's contract for new, Joint Strike Fighters. Lockheed said the contract will eventually lead to 9,000 new jobs, mostly at its division in Fort Worth, Texas. More news to watch for: Boeing is already a Lockheed subcontractor, so if Lockheed decides to share some its rather tasty, $200-billion-plus pie, then Boeing will likely add jobs too. According to CNBC, other companies that might benefit include United Technologies' Pratt & Whitney division, Honeywell's aerospace group, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Cytec Industries and Britain's BAE Systems. |
Temporary help services have been on the decline for awhile, as temp employees are always among the first to get the axe in bad times. With worse times upon us, giving up a direct job for the gig-hopping adventure of temping is probably not a good idea right now. But you might consider trying to land some temp jobs to see you through to your next full-time direct job.
The insurance industry might not be a good place for job security either, as the attacks drained financial resources. With the threat of more attacks ever present, there's a high potential for more major damage claims.
The finance industry is likely to show job growth, thanks to the Feds lowering the interest rate in response to the poor economy and September 11. With the resulting increase in mortgage refinancing that will probably take place, watch for new job openings in the mortgage banking industry.
Although a bit scary thanks to the anthrax threat, government jobs are probably among the most immune to cuts. Attack recovery and prevention are likely to spawn job growth in many Federal, state and local agencies. For example, the Federal government recently created The Office of Homeland Security, for which it will soon hire. USAJobs, the government's official job site, recently posted a special jobs page entitled Homeland Readiness and Security, that includes links to hiring agencies dealing with national readiness, bio-terrorism and disaster recovery.
As everyone is painfully aware, the September 11 attacks created a heightened sense of awareness about security, not just among airports and government agencies, but everywhere. So, just about industry to do with security, law enforcement and homeland defense is likely a good place to job search or soon will be, even in the private sector. The subsequent threat of anthrax and other potential bio-chemical terrorism has sadly created yet another heightened sense of awareness. But it's also created growth potential for the pharmaceutical, healthcare, biotech, germ-sanitation and related industries. (See a related biotech article from CNBC.) Healthcare is almost always hiring anyway, even in bad times.
| By now you might be thinking, yeah, so what? I don't work in any of the hiring industries. But if you look closer, you might be surprised to discover how many industries there are for which your skills qualify. For example, you don't have to work in the computer industry per se to land a computer job. There are few industries that don't incorporate computer systems these days, and many industries use other high-tech gadgets, too. That creates jobs for IT specialists and technicians, which spawns the need for other technical specialties, such as tech writing, support, training and recruiting. As a prime example, take a look at the many types of jobs in healthcare, for which you don't necessarily need a medical background. Also consider all the high-tech gadgets the security industry is likely going to start using soon: eye, face and fingerprint recognition hardware and software, digital cameras, explosives "sniffers," electronic ID card readers, etc. |
Education is almost always hiring, too. Estimates indicate that there will be a total of 150,000 to 250,000 openings for teachers in U.S. elementary and secondary schools in 2001. It is predicted that the nation will need 2.2 million teachers over the next ten years. Teaching, especially in math and science, may be an alternative for some techies who can't find other opportunities.
More specifically in the techie realm, semiconductor, hardware and software are all feeling the current economic adversity. So is networking, but network security is still likely to be among the top information technology jobs of the future. It was already growing steadily before the terrorist attacks, as "hacking" has become a dirty word and viruses are infecting computer systems at record rates. It is estimated that hackers cost businesses $400-million a year and climbing. Worse, it has long been speculated that even terrorists with limited means could bring America to its knees, by compromising its major computer systems via the Internet. Natch, the attacks have reawakened this fear. Government offices, financial institutions, high-profile corporations and then some, all have renewed concerns about network security.
Comments, suggestions or questions? Want to network, and discuss technical job searching, employment, and careers with others? Go to the chat room or bulletin board, both open 24 hours daily.
JSN
U.S. Employment Rate chart data
source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Job Searching: Technical supports Equal Opportunity Employment.
Copyright © 2001, J. Steven Niznik. All Rights Reserved.
