The July job creation report shows a slowdown in hiring, with only 114,000 jobs added. This is a significant drop from previous months and signals a cooling labor market. The unemployment rate ticked up to 4.3%, also indicating a potential shift. While wage growth remains steady, these figures suggest the Federal Reserve’s efforts to curb inflation might be starting to impact employment. However, it’s important to note that the labor market remains strong overall.
Bard Writes a New Year… New Career …Essay
Turning the Page: A New Year, A New Career Journey
As the chimes ring and fireworks paint the sky, a familiar feeling stirs within – the crisp, tingling energy of a new year. It’s a blank page, unmarred by ink, an invitation to write a bold new chapter in the story of our lives. For many, this whispers promises of change, and for me, it resonates with the yearning for a professional reinvention.
The past year has been a time of introspection. I’ve diligently toiled within the familiar walls of my current job, yet a subtle dissonance lingers. The tasks, once challenging, now feel routine, the goals predictable. My skills, like un-watered plants, wilt on the shelf, yearning for new soil, new sunlight. I know deep down, it’s time to turn the page.
This New Year’s resolution isn’t about hastily scribbling out a destination on this blank page. It’s about crafting a map, one guided by self-discovery. I’ll embark on a quest to rediscover my passions, identify the skills that light my fire, and map them onto a career landscape that resonates with my values. Networking events, online courses, and open-minded conversations will be my compass, helping me navigate the uncharted waters of possibility.
Fear, of course, whispers warnings. Leaving the known is a leap of faith, but I choose to see it as a dance with courage. I’ll remind myself that growth lies beyond comfort, that sometimes, the most beautiful chapters begin with an empty page.
This New Year, I embrace the unknown with open arms. I commit to charting a new career path, one paved with purpose, passion, and the thrill of the unexplored. It’s time to step out of the confines of routine and write my own professional legacy. As the countdown ends and the confetti settles, I whisper a silent promise to myself – this year, I rewrite my career story. It will be a tale of transformation, one worthy of the blank page before me.
AI’s Prediction for Job and Skills that will be in Most Demand over the Next Decade
Best Jobs for the Next Decade
The world is constantly changing, and so is the job market. As technology advances and new industries emerge, some jobs become obsolete while others become more in-demand. If you’re thinking about your future career, it’s important to choose a field that is expected to grow in the coming years.
Here is a list of some of the best jobs for the next decade, based on projections from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics:
Healthcare workers: The aging population and increasing rates of chronic diseases are driving a growing demand for healthcare workers. Some of the most in-demand healthcare jobs in the next decade include nurse practitioners, physician assistants, home health aides, and personal care aides.
Tech workers: The tech industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the economy, and there is a high demand for skilled workers. Some of the most in-demand tech jobs in the next decade include software engineers, data scientists, information security analysts, and cloud engineers.
Green energy workers: The transition to renewable energy is creating new jobs in the solar, wind, and geothermal industries. Some of the most in-demand green energy jobs in the next decade include solar photovoltaic installers, wind turbine service technicians, and energy efficiency auditors.
Business and management professionals: Businesses of all sizes need skilled professionals to help them manage their operations and grow their businesses. Some of the most in-demand business and management jobs in the next decade include accountants, financial analysts, marketing managers, and human resources managers.
Educators: The demand for teachers is expected to grow in the next decade, as schools strive to keep up with the growing population and changing needs of students. Some of the most in-demand teaching jobs in the next decade include special education teachers, STEM teachers, and early childhood education teachers.
In addition to the specific jobs listed above, there are a number of general skills that will be in high demand in the next decade. These include:
Problem-solving skills: The ability to identify and solve problems is essential in any job, but it will be especially important in the future as workers face new challenges and opportunities.
Communication skills: The ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, is also essential in any job. In the future, workers will need to be able to collaborate with people from different backgrounds and cultures.
Critical thinking skills: The ability to think critically and analyze information is essential for making good decisions. In the future, workers will need to be able to adapt to change and make decisions quickly and effectively.
Technological skills: As technology continues to advance, workers will need to have strong technological skills. This includes being able to use basic computer software and being familiar with the latest technologies in your field.
If you’re looking for a career that is in high demand and expected to grow in the next decade, consider one of the jobs or skills listed above. With the right education and training, you can position yourself for a successful and rewarding career.
Jobs Likely to Be Eliminated by AI
There are a number of jobs that are most likely to be eliminated by AI in the near future. These include:
- Data entry: AI-powered machines can perform data entry tasks faster and more accurately than humans.
- Customer service: AI chatbots and voice assistants can handle routine customer service queries, reducing the need for human interaction.
- Telemarketing: AI-powered telemarketing systems can make calls and generate leads without the need for human agents.
- Truck driving: Self-driving trucks are already being developed and could soon replace human truck drivers.
- Factory work: AI-powered robots are increasingly being used in factories to perform tasks such as welding, painting, and assembly.
- Accounting: AI-powered accounting software can automate many of the tasks that are currently performed by accountants.
- Legal work: AI-powered legal research tools can help lawyers find and analyze legal precedents.
- Journalism: AI-powered news writing tools can generate news articles that are indistinguishable from those written by humans.
These are just a few of the jobs that are most likely to be eliminated by AI in the near future. As AI technology continues to develop, it is likely that even more jobs will be automated.
It is important to note that not all jobs will be eliminated by AI. Some jobs, such as those that require creativity, critical thinking, and social interaction, are less likely to be automated. However, even these jobs may be affected by AI, as AI-powered tools are developed to help humans perform these tasks more efficiently.
The rise of AI is a major challenge for the workforce. However, it also presents an opportunity for new jobs to be created. As AI automates tasks, it will free up human workers to focus on more creative and strategic work. Additionally, new jobs will be created in the field of AI itself, as well as in the industries that are disrupted by AI.
The future of work is uncertain, but it is clear that AI will have a significant impact on the workforce. It is important to be prepared for this change by developing the skills that will be in demand in the future. These skills include creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, and social interaction.
2022 Verses 2023 Job Market
The job market in 2023 is vastly different than it was in 2022. Here are some of the key differences:
- The number of job openings is much higher. In February 2023, there were 11.3 million job openings in the United States, compared to 6.9 million in February 2022. This means that there are more jobs available than there are people looking for work.
- The unemployment rate is much lower. The unemployment rate in February 2023 was 3.6%, compared to 3.9% in February 2022. This means that there are fewer people unemployed, which is putting upward pressure on wages.
- The demand for workers in certain industries is very high. The industries with the highest demand for workers in 2023 include healthcare, technology, and transportation. These industries are all growing rapidly, and they need more workers to keep up with demand.
- The job market is more competitive. With so many job openings and so few people unemployed, the job market is more competitive than ever before. This means that job seekers need to stand out from the crowd if they want to get hired.
So, how can you succeed in today’s job market? Here are a few tips:
- Network with people in your field. Networking is one of the best ways to find out about job openings and get your foot in the door.
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to each job you apply for. Make sure your application materials highlight your skills and experience that are relevant to the specific job.
- Be prepared to sell yourself during interviews. Be confident and articulate when you’re talking about your skills and experience.
- Don’t give up. The job search can be tough, but it’s important to stay positive and keep trying.
With a little hard work and perseverance, you can succeed in today’s competitive job market.
Here are some additional tips for differentiating yourself in the job market:
- Highlight your soft skills. Soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, are increasingly important in the workplace. Make sure you highlight your soft skills in your resume and cover letter.
- Get certified. Certifications can demonstrate your skills and knowledge in a particular area. This can make you more attractive to employers.
- Volunteer your time. Volunteering is a great way to gain experience and make connections. It can also help you develop your soft skills.
- Stay up-to-date on industry trends. The job market is constantly changing. Make sure you stay up-to-date on the latest trends in your field. This will help you stay relevant and marketable.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of success in today’s job market.
REAPPLYING AFTER A REJECTION
Career Report April – June 2022 Issue 249
Feature Story
REAPPLYING TO A COMPANY AFTER A REJECTION
When it comes to careers, persistence is an attribute that can clearly pay off – especially since employers are keen for workers who are truly interested in and passionate about their jobs. But what about when a job seeker gets rejected from a company that he wants to work for? Can he continue to pursue employment at that company, or could his persistence work against him?
According to an article published by CareerBuilder.com, job seekers shouldn’t be discouraged from applying again to a company that’s turned them down.
“When an applicant has taken the time to understand the company, the people and the customers, getting rejected the first time around should never discourage that applicant from future prospects with the firm,” said Joshua Siva, co-author of the book, “BOLD: Get Noticed, Get Hired.” Any number of reasons could have led to the rejection, he pointed out.
Siva told CareerBuilder.com that there are three things applicants should do before applying again to the same company.
The first is to understand the gap in their previous application. How? “Ideally this comes from the company through a contact involved in the hiring process, but if not, the applicant needs to be honest with themselves: ‘Did I have the experience, did I speak the company’s language, did I sell myself the right way?’ Make a list of these things, and spend whatever amount of time is needed to close the gap, and be sure to have it documented and readily demonstrated,” Siva said.
Next Siva recommended that a job seeker should connect with someone at the company in a related function. “[This is] in order to learn everything about their role, their background, how they got in, company trends, etc.,” Siva said. “It’s amazing how far asking questions can take the applicant, because at the end of it all, the potential applicant will likely get asked about their own ambitions and, when shared, who knows what doors may open via the employee.”
Finally, Siva suggested following up periodically with the human resources manager involved in the hiring process from the original rejection. In your follow up, Siva said to remind the HR manager of your résumé on file, share what progress you’ve made since and reiterate your passion for the company. “It’s always a favorable position when an applicant is on the mind of an HR professional involved with recruiting, because they constantly have visibility and support requests to fill roles.”
After you’ve been turned down by a company you may be tempted to re-apply right away, especially if there’s another job that interests you. But, according to the article, it may be in your best interest to wait it out a few months, to ensure that you’re in a situation where it would make sense for them to potentially consider you again.
Lisa Rangel, managing director of Chamelon Resumes, an executive résumé-writing and job-search service, said that in general, it’s good to wait a minimum of three-to-six months. “There needs to be enough time to allow for a possible change in the company situation and for the person to amass additional and/or relevant skills that are different than before,” she told the online employment website.
Depending on what you’re looking for, and how important it is to work at the company versus in a particular position, you may wait until a similar position comes along, or you may be willing to work in a different function or department just to get a foot in the door, the article noted. Based on what type of position you’re applying for the second time, you should adjust your application materials as needed. But regardless of whether the position is the same or different from the original job you applied for, you need to show the company that you’ve grown.
“To be taken seriously for the competitive and coveted positions in the marketplace, those who are and aren’t currently employed need to be advancing and improving themselves as time goes on,” Siva told CareerBuilder.com. “If applying for the same role, that improvement needs to speak to closing the gaps in their previous application. If applying for a different role or function, that progress needs to demonstrate the pivot in knowledge and the commitment made to pursuing the new function of focus.
“Above all else, the applicant needs to be bolder and more creative the second time around in order to stand out from other applicants, in addition to their former self and application,” Siva added.
News from BLK
Stock Market is tanking, interest rates are rising, inflation is at 40 year highs and the talent shortage for numerous roles continues to climb. We at Berman Larson Kane continue to witness an increase in client job listing across almost all categories of skill sets. Demand has not yet created a large percentage increase in salaries; however, we do see this soon having a high chance of becoming a reality.
So, if you are a jobseeker your employment prospects continue to be excellent. If you are an employer competition for top-talent continues to be highly competitive.
We at Berman Larson Kane celebrated our 42nd year in business and thank all for your support. Our prior inflation experience suggests that if history repeats itself; we will see a high rate of turnover in all job categories. Both a challenging and good, exciting time for ALL.
NEWS FROM BLK
Inflation, health risks, hybrid work from home options and record job listings are all contributing to a continuous growth in the competitive war for top talent. We at Berman Larson Kane have been sharping our proprietary ATS and AI resources to uncover the hidden talent in the market for our clients.
As for job seekers the record number of listings has created an optimum year for seeking new employment.
2022 will bring a lot of movement in the job market and we at Berman Larson Kane’s 40 plus years of experience are reminder of early 1980’s as wage inflation and competition for talent wars emerge.
I assure all job seekers and employers that we will continue to provide the best samples of jobs and candidates that the market has to offer. We so look forward to these exciting challenges in the job market. Stay well and healthy!
Pandemic Unemployment and Thanksgiving
We must be grateful for our health, family and our jobs as unemployment continues to rise in numerous sectors of our economy.
During this Thanksgiving Holiday let us remember the millions of good folks who are adversely affected by our unemployment numbers as this pandemic spreads wildly across our country and the world.
Over the past decades the personal painful histories that I have witnessed, due to no job or meaningful work, continues to be heart wrenching and today with the health crises all around us this pain is experienced by way to many good people.
During this day of thanks, I encourage each of you as HR professionals to lend a hand, take a phone call, review a resume, coach an interview or pass on some advice to a challenged job-seeker. We all have a special gift of knowledge and compassion that can only help the unemployed.
As president of our organization I assure you that we continue our community out-reach program to assist all job-seekers with their efforts to gain solid employment. Our programs during the past 12 years have assisted numerous individuals. My wish is by Thanksgiving 2021 that we are all be healthy and the need for unemployment service will return to more acceptable levels.
We at Berman Larson Kane, thank each of you for your business support during our forty year history. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday and take a moment to please be thankful for your job and take a moment to coach a less fortunate job-seeker.
Turning a Temp Job Into a Permanent Position
Career Report
October 2019 – Issue 236
Turning a Temp Job Into a Permanent Position
For workers interested in making a temporary job permanent, here are some tips from author Karen Burns from an article published by U.S. News & World Report:
Treat the temp job like a long job interview. Do your best work. Always be punctual, cheerful, enthusiastic, and conscientious. This is your chance to prove you’re a star.
Temp where you want to work. Not only will you be an obvious choice when the company thinks of hiring permanently, you’ll also hone the skills you’ll need in that full-time position.
Adopt the company’s culture. You want to show that you already work there (for real). If you look and act like a temp, employers are going to think of you as a temp.
Be a team player. Offer to work overtime if needed. Be willing to do tasks outside your job description. Make friends with the permanent workers.
Dress the part. Even though you’re a temp, you don’t need to look like one. If you dress as though you take yourself seriously, others will take you seriously.
Keep your résumé on hand. Make sure it’s up to date at all times, in both paper and electronic formats. You never know when someone may ask to see it.
Make sure your employer knows about your skills. A temp job can be quite specialized. Look for ways to let your employer and your co-workers know that you can do so much more.
Learn as much as you can about the company. Temps often aren’t given in-depth instruction. Make an effort to learn about the company’s products, services and market.
Meet people. A temp job is great networking venue. Make yourself visible. Get out and about and meet department heads, HR employees, and anyone else with influence.
Be a self-starter. Pay attention, take notes, and anticipate needs. Bosses appreciate and value people who can work without supervision.
Let them know you’re interested in permanent work. A company may assume you’re happy as a temp. From time to time talk with supervisors about your goals and let your staffing agency know you’re interested in a full-time position. The agency has a good relationship with the company or you wouldn’t be there; the agency can be a strong advocate for you.
Make yourself indispensable. This is the key. The way to turn a temp assignment into a permanent job is to exceed expectations. Make yourself an employee the company can’t live without. If you’re such a stellar worker that employers start to “need” you, you’ll be on your way to a permanent paycheck
NEWS FROM BLK
The 4th quarter is here and hiring not only remains strong but appears to be picking up steam. We at Berman Larson Kane have new orders from clients that we have not heard from in many years. This resurgent’s is being caused by companies need to get deeper into the talent pool to hire exceptional candidates.
As always it is our pleasure to assist these clients and continue to use our extensive ATS to isolate talent that is not listed in the public domains.
As for the remainder of the year, we are predicting continuous hiring strength from a wide assortment of industries and are very optimistic about the New Year.
We thank all for continuing to place their faith in Berman Larson Kane’s ability to staff challenging opportunities and look so forward to celebrating our 40 years of service in 2020.
Recharge Your Batteries and Love Your Job
Career Report
September 2019 – Issue 235
RECHARGE YOUR BATTERIES AND LOVE YOUR JOB
Burnout is one of the biggest problems in the workplace, especially for older workers, and is a major reason many people retire earlier than they projected, according to an article in AARP The Magazine. But for people in their mid-to-late 50s and into their 60s, these are generally peak earning years, so staying on the job allows for continued retirement-account contributions and a delay in filing for Social Security benefits to qualify for a higher payout.
That said, with more people wanting—or needing—to work well past their 50s, generating new enthusiasm on the job is critical, the article pointed out.
“We are rewriting the map of life,” said Marc Freedman, the CEO of Encore.org, a nonprofit organization that’s building a movement to tap the skills and experience of those in midlife and beyond. “In the past, if you were 56 or 57, it might be only a year or two before you were ready to slip into early retirement. Now you’re thinking about another 10- or 15-year working career. That changes the entire equation.”
Here from the article, adapted from the AARP book, Love Your Job: The New Rules of Career Happiness, are eight tips to help older workers reengage.
Seek Out New Duties — If you’re constantly doing the same set of tasks each day, the monotony alone can drag you down. Step things up. Scrutinize your current position to pinpoint a new responsibility you can add that will refresh your focus, and maybe even scare you a bit. Ask to be assigned a signature project you’ve always wanted to launch, or volunteer for a new role. At this stage, it’s easy to coast, but this is the time to try something different.
Get up to Speed — It’s easy to become complacent about staying current with the trends in your field. Set up a Google Alert to notify you when your employer is in the news or when a competitor is making waves or beginning a new venture. Follow industry thought-leader blogs, join relevant groups on Linked In, and participate in the discussion.
Connect with your coworkers — Subtle changes in your behavior each day can have a huge impact. For example, practice listening to coworkers and celebrate their successes. It’ll make you feel good and build esprit de corps. Reach out to new colleagues, or those you don’t know well, to grab lunch and learn about what they do and their backgrounds. Stop by someone’s office to talk about something unrelated to work. Instead of emailing a reply, have a face-to-face chat.
Fine-tune your relationship with a difficult boss — Lots of people quit their bosses, not their jobs. No matter how impossible your supervisor is, keep your side of the street clean. If your unhappiness with him or her affects your productivity, this will come back to bite you, not your boss. Most supervisors do want you to succeed; this reflects on their performance, too. You might just need to gently show your boss, by demonstrating that you’re engaged in your job, how you can help each other.
Find joy around the edges — Many companies provide the opportunity to do volunteer work right within the organization. Find a volunteer gig that can help build relationships with coworkers (even your boss) and forge bonds across departments that you might never have had otherwise. Get involved with a mentoring program. Participate in employee activities. Join or organize a company team sport. Or create a walking, biking or running group.
Clean up your office — When people feel sapped of energy, often they’re not clearing out as they go. Their in-box is overflowing, their desk is a disaster, and their file drawers are bursting. De-cluttering is liberating and empowering. You’re saying, “This is valuable; this is not.” It’s a physical way to be involved in making decisions about your life and what you want to do with it.
Be happy in your work — A recent Gallup poll found that the more that employees use their strengths at work and are engaged in their jobs, the happier and more enthusiastic they are. You’ll discover that your enthusiasm will not only trickle down to the quality of your work but that people will want to have what you have. You’ll be the one they seek to have on their team. To quote Maya Angelou, “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”
Upgrade your skills — This is especially true with new technology. Learn what computer programs your employer values, and take a class or a refresher course at your community college, or participate in a workplace workshop or training program. That hands-on approach can open doors to a promotion or lateral move. But more than that, it can ramp up your enthusiasm for your job and push it in new directions. Boredom is often at the root of unhappiness at work. If you persistently add worth to what you bring to the job, chances are your boss will notice and reward you for it, and that can do wonders for your attitude.
NEWS FROM BERMAN LARSON KANE
The summer is behind us and business and hiring should continue at a brisk pace for the immediate future. As for 2020, although the US economy is strong, projections and the likely hood of a recession linger in business leaders projections and world stock markets. So 2020 hiring and unemployment is any one’s guess. As for our local predictions, the aging of the workforce will keep unemployment low in the NJ/NY market place and the competition for top talent will not cool down.
We at Berman Larson Kane thank all for their continuous support and continue to honor the 40-year tradition of assisting hiring authorities and job-seeks with the best employment options. Enjoy the cooler weather and hopefully not a cool down economy.